Interim manager Andy Green of the New York Mets expressed confidence in rookie outfielder A.J. Ewing, despite a recent decline in his offensive statistics. Green noted that Ewing's "at-bat quality" has shown improvement, even if it hasn't translated into hits.
Ewing entered Friday with a .165 batting average, .240 on-base percentage, and .209 slugging percentage for August. His season OPS stood at .667 before the Mets' 3-1 loss to the Astros on Friday, during which he went 0-for-4. Ewing's last multi-hit game occurred on August 7.
Green stated he spoke with Ewing during a recent game to commend his plate appearances. "If you are watching the at-bat quality, he’s kind of returning to what he has done for us the first part of the season," Green said. "We have got to acknowledge those things when they’re happening, rather than just because the box score doesn’t acknowledge that sometimes, because this is a cruel game at times."
In other team news, Jorge Polanco underwent ankle surgery on Wednesday and is expected to begin spring training on a normal progression. Polanco played in only 37 games this season due to bursitis in his left ankle.
Green also drew a comparison between Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez and Hall of Famer Barry Bonds, calling Alvarez "right up there with Juan [Soto] as the best hitter in baseball." Alvarez entered Friday's game leading Major League Baseball with a 1.043 OPS, and was tied for the AL lead in home runs with 36 and RBIs with 91. He went 0-for-2 with two walks in the Astros' win.
The Mets also announced roster moves, selecting Chris Devenski to the major league roster and optioning Xzavion Curry to Triple-A Syracuse.