How J.D. Martinezs imminent Mets arrival affects red-hot Tyrone Taylor

Tyrone Taylor came to the Mets to be the team’s fourth outfielder and so far this season, he’s started multiple games in all three outfield spots. More than that, he’s been one of the team’s most productive hitters. Despite having just 54 plate appearances, Taylor’s 13 RBIs are second on the team, trailing only Brandon Nimmo’s 15. He also has an OPS of .869 and an OPS+ of 147, both team-highs. A pair of National League scouts that have seen Taylor several times this season, including on the just-concluded West Coast trip, said not much has changed in his swing. “He’s more selective,’’ one scout said.“But the talent has always been there.

They have to be careful not to overuse him.” That likely won’t be an issue, especially with J.D.Martinez expected to be in the lineup for the Mets for the first time on Friday, when they open a homestand against the Cardinals. Taylor’s ability to fill in all over the outfield has allowed Carlos Mendoza to rest all three starting outfielders — while keeping the important bats of Nimmo and Starling Marte in the lineup at DH. That luxury will go away with the presence of Martinez, although no one is complaining about the addition of the 36-year-old right-handed power hitter. With Taylor’s performance at the plate, the Mets will want to keep him active. According to Fangraphs, Taylor is swinging at fewer pitches outside the strike zone (27.6 percent compared to a career mark of 36 percent).

He’s also hitting more line drives and not as many fly balls. Taylor’s defense has been solid, if not spectacular.  Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Please provide a valid email address.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! After Wednesday’s win in San Francisco, when Taylor doubled and homered, Mendoza said he would keep th...