NEW YORK -- Back in the middle of May, the New York Mets called up Wilmer Flores and announced that he was going to get a chance to be the everyday shortstop.
For various reasons, Flores never really got that chance. Now, six weeks later, he finds himself back at Triple-A Las Vegas.
The Mets announced after Wednesday night's 8-5 loss to the Oakland Athletics that Flores was optioned back to the minor leagues to make room for outfielder Juan Lagares, who has been activated from the disabled list.
Flores hasn't started back-to-back games in more than three weeks and has only 35 plate appearances all month, so it made sense that the Mets would rather have the 22-year-old get more regular playing time. Ruben Tejada, who was struggling badly when Flores was called up but began playing much better almost immediately thereafter, has been the everyday shortstop.
What was a little tougher to understand was how the Mets will go forward with a roster on which Tejada is the only real shortstop. Eric Campbell, who has played just two professional games at the position (both this season at Las Vegas) would seem the only other semi-viable option.
Besides Tejada, no one on the Mets' current 25-man roster has ever started a major-league game at shortstop. David Wright has played eight innings at short in his career, most recently in 2012.
Lagares has been on the DL since June 2 with a right intercostal strain.
The Mets now have six outfielders on their roster. And one shortstop.
