Luisangel Acuna, an infielder for the New York Mets, is finding it harder and harder to find playing time.
Since June 1, the 23-year-old has only had eight at-bats, perhaps losing favor in manager Carlos Mendoza’s infield rotation due to the rise of Brett Baty and the call-up of Ronny Mauricio, both of whom are left-handed batsmen who have been given the majority of opportunities against right-handed pitching.
Instead of deciding to demote Acuna to Triple-A Syracuse, where he hasn’t performed well, Mendoza still thinks there will be chances to offer him playing time.
Carlos Mendoza Comments on Luisangel Acuña’s Playing Time
In a recent video interview with Mendoza by SNY, the Mets manager was questioned if he believes Acuña has a sufficient position in the major leagues without affecting his growth.
To which Mendoza replied, “We will continue to work the balance – what’s best for the team, what’s best for the player, his development. He continues to help us win baseball games here.”
Carlos Mendoza was asked if he thinks there is enough of a role for Luisangel Acuña in the big leagues without interfering with his development:
“We will continue to work the balance – what’s best for the team, what’s best for the player, his development. He continues to help us… pic.twitter.com/Oi3GV1LKuo
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 8, 2025
Despite his recent performance, there are still many positive aspects of his game, particularly after he earned National League Rookie of the Month in April with a .288 batting average and seven stolen bases.
Before cooling off, Baty put together a fiery May while Acuna scuffled. After Mark Vientos was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a hamstring injury, he assumed the regular position at third base.
Mauricio blasted a 456-foot moonshot home run during Saturday’s victory in Colorado, overcoming a rough start to his second stint in the majors after knee surgery.
Luisangel is the younger brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. and was acquired by the Mets in July 2023 from the Texas Rangers. Luisangel is set to face Ronald this June as the Mets visit the Braves.
When the Mets acquired the younger Acuña in July 2023 in exchange for Max Scherzer, he was among the Texas Rangers’ best prospects. The quick, slick-fielding middle infielder joined the Mets on Opening Day of this season and made his Major League debut in September of last year.
The Acuña brothers will play each other for the first time later this month. Late last year, Luisangel came to Atlanta with the Mets, but Ronald was still recuperating from his damaged ACL.
For the second time in a week, the Mets swept the weakest Rockies in the major league, defeating Colorado 13-5 on Sunday. The game saw history in the making as first baseman Pete Alonso broke a tie with Darryl Strawberry for the most home runs in Mets history with two two-run blasts during his 23rd multihomer game.
With 243 career home runs, the first baseman has surpassed David Wright to take second place in franchise history, nine runs behind Strawberry.