Looking For Spark, Mets Set To Call Up Tommy Pham

[Steve Drumwright]

 

Having lost five in a row and with an offense needing a spark, the New York Mets are turning to journeyman outfielder Tommy Pham to invigorate the team.

Pham is being called up to the Mets from Low A St. Lucie, where he has been getting into game shape, Will Sammon of The Athletic reported Sunday. Pham will join the Mets as they open a series on the road against the two-time World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. A move related to the 26-man roster will be made, but the Mets currently have three open spots on their 40-man.

The 38-year-old signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on March 27 and had played five games and went 2-for-12 (.167) with a double, an RBI and three runs scored. Last year with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pham had a .245/.330/.370 slash line with 10 homers and 52 RBIs in 120 games. Pham has played for 10 teams in 12 seasons, including 79 games with the Mets in 2023.

The Mets' offense ranks 23rd in MLB in OPS at .658, including being shutout twice this weekend vs. the A's. The offense has struggled without superstar left fielder Juan Soto, who is on the 10-day injured list with a strained left calf. Soto is expected back around the end of the month.

 

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[Marshmallowmilkshake]

My guess is the team will give Benge a little more time and Mauricio will be headed out. What do you think? 

[The Hot Corner]

19 minutes ago, Marshmallowmilkshake said:

My guess is the team will give Benge a little more time and Mauricio will be headed out. What do you think? 

That is what I would expect.  

[Centerfield]

I don’t see how this helps. Pham hasn’t been effective since the first half of 2023. 38 years old. And a bit of a head case. 
 

I guess he’s a placeholder until Soto is ready. 

[Gwreck]

11 hours ago, Centerfield said:

I don’t see how this helps. Pham hasn’t been effective since the first half of 2023. 38 years old. And a bit of a head case. 
 

I guess he’s a placeholder until Soto is ready. 

He actually plays outfield so it rebalances the roster.  

There are no true impact bats available at this time of the year.  It’s a hope he has some sort of late-career renaissance (like a Jose Iglesias) or at least lets the Mets sit Benge without always having to play Baty or someone else unqualified in the OF.