Mets Activate Murphy, To Start Him At 3rd And Bat Him Cleanup Against Cubs
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It may not be the move Mets fans have been clamoring for, but it's a positive nonetheless.
Daniel Murphy was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday ahead of New York's series opener against the visiting Chicago Cubs. The veteran infielder had been sidelined since June 4 with a strained quad.
Roster Move: INF Daniel Murphy has been activated from the Disabled List and INF Dilson Herrera has been optioned to Las Vegas (AAA).
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 30, 2015
Despite winning four games in a row and pulling within 2 1/2 of first-place Washington in the NL East, the Mets are one of the worst offensive teams in baseball, scoring just 276 runs in their first 77 games, or 3.6 per game.
At the time of his injury, Murphy was hitting .283 with four home runs and 29 RBIs. He was set to bat cleanup on Tuesday.
Tonight's lineup:@cgrand3 RF
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 30, 2015
Tejada SS
Duda 1B
Murphy 3B@mcuddy23 LF
Flores 2B@kplawecki26 C
Niese P@juanlagares2 CF#Mets
Normally a second baseman, Murphy was inserted into the lineup at third and is expected to play the position until David Wright returns from the DL. As part of the Mets' new infield alignment, Ruben Tejada is back as the starting shortstop and Wilmer Flores has been moved to second base.