The New York Mets made a somewhat surprising move when they added infield depth last week, but the experiment did not last long.
After appearing in only three games, the club designated former Detroit Tigers utility player Andy Ibanez for assignment.
Ibanez finished his short stint with the Mets without a hit, though he did drive in two runs across eight plate appearances. New York initially brought him in to help against left-handed pitching while Francisco Lindor and Ronny Mauricio remained out with injuries.
MLB Trade Rumors writer Steve Adams noted Tuesday that despite Ibanez’s rough start, he has a respectable history in the majors, especially versus left-handed pitchers.
Over 1,246 career plate appearances, he owns a .250/.301/.383 slash line, while posting a stronger .272/.316/.437 mark against southpaws.
Things worsened for Ibanez during Sunday’s 5-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks when he committed two throwing errors at third base. Following the game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza called the mistakes routine plays that needed to be made.
The Mets have since given Ibanez’s roster spot to highly regarded prospect A.J. Ewing.
