Outfielder Michael Conforto, infielder Jeff McNeil and catcher James McCann are not in the lineup for the opener of the New York Mets’ doubleheader Saturday against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates.
Conforto, 28, is hitting .196 with two home runs and 16 RBIs in 49 games this season. He will be replaced in right field Saturday by Kevin Pillar, who will hit fifth against Pirates left-hander Tyler Anderson.
McNeil, 29, is batting .244 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 50 games this year. Jose Peraza will start at second base and hit seventh.
McCann, 31, is hitting .251 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs in 73 games this season. Tomas Nido will catch right-hander Marcus Stroman and bat eighth.
The Mets also recalled right-hander Geoff Hartlieb from Triple-A Syracuse to be the 27th man in Saturday’s doubleheader.
Hartlieb, 27, whom the Mets claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh on Friday, has a 7.71 ERA in four appearances with the Pirates this season.
–Field Level Media