51s second baseman nears return after hurting foot
Second baseman Gavin Cecchini is nearing a return after missing four games with a foot injury.
Cecchini was hit by a pitch on the foot May 9 and crumpled into the ground, needing assistance to leave the field.
On Friday, manager Tony DeFrancesco said Cecchini couldn’t put any pressure on his bruised foot and was around 30 percent, potentially requiring a trip to the disabled list.
But Saturday, the 51s got some good news on the second baseman, who was feeling a bit better.
“He took ground balls, took some swings in the cage,” DeFrancesco said Saturday. “Said the pain had decreased so hopefully a day or two here.”
He said Cecchini ran at about 80 percent on Saturday. With a day game Sunday, Cecchini didn’t do anything out on the field, but DeFrancesco said he was hopeful he might be able to pinch hit Monday.
“Tomorrow he’s going to come out early and run around and swing live (batting practice),” DeFrancesco said Sunday. “If everything goes good, he’ll be able to pinch hit in a game, maybe double switch.”
Getting Cecchini back will help a lineup that has seen recent injuries to David Thompson (hand), Bryce Brentz (foot) and a call up to Dominic Smith, though Smith could be on his way back soon with Jay Bruce expected to return from paternity leave.
Cecchini was hitting .294/.342/.468 with 32 hits in 30 games before suffering the injury.
Guillorme collects first hit
Shortstop Luis Guillorme collected his first major league hit Sunday for the Mets against Philadelphia.
Guillorme, pinch hitting for pitcher Jacob deGrom in the second inning, singled to center.
The 23-year-old was hitting .300/.394/.433 in 28 games with the 51s before earning his first call up on May 9.
He also scored a run on May 11, serving as a pinch runner.
Upcoming at the park
The 51s have two more home games in their series against Albuquerque before leaving town. Monday will be Smith’s Value Menu Monday, when fans can buy food at discounted prices. On Tuesday, the 51s will play as their alter ego “Reyes de Plata.”
On Wednesday, the 51s will start an eight-game road trip with stops at Tacoma and Sacramento before returning May 25.
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Contact Betsy Helfand at bhelfand@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BetsyHelfand on Twitter.