New York Mets Possible Key Infielder Exits Spring Training with Injury on Saturday

Playing against the Tampa Bay Rays, Luisangel Acuna was hit by a pitch in the arm.

New York Mets shortstop Luisangel Acuna (2) throws a baseball into the stands after the second inning against the Houston Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Feb 25. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

New York Mets prospect Luisangel Acuna left Saturday's spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays after being hit on the arm by a Shane McClanahan pitch.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com had the information on social media:

Luisangel Acuña exited today's game in Port Charlotte after being hit on the left arm by a Shane McClanahan pitch.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 1, 2025

That's certainly noteworthy, considering Acuna is trying to make a run at a roster spot, and maybe even a starting position. While Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos would seem to be the starting infield, a key roster spot is open after Nick Madrigal suffered a season-ending shoulder injury recently.

Acuna was listed as the No. 12 prospect in the organization by MLB.com at the end of 2024. The Mets acquired him in 2023 as part of the trade-deadline deal that sent pitcher Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers. The versatile 22-year-old made his debut in 2024, hitting .308 over 14 games. He popped three homers in that limited sample size and also drove in six.

The Mets advanced to the National League Championship Series, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers. New York will have bigger expectations in 2025 after landing superstar free agent Juan Soto on a 15-year deal. And Acuna is hoping to be a big part of it. He's the younger brother of Atlanta Braves standout Ronald Acuna Jr.

We'll have more information on Acuna as it becomes available. The Mets will finish out Grapefruit League play over the next four weeks and will open the regular season on March 27 against the Houston Astros, who won the American League West last year.

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