Shortly after Carlos Mendoza praised Luisangel Acuna’s calmness on the field, the rookie made a bad mistake in the third inning that led to an unearned run on Tuesday.
But in the second half of the inning, Acuna helped make up for the mistake by hitting a 109 mph double to left center field to tie the game.
Later in the game, he scored a single and a run and capped the evening with his first MLB home run in the eighth inning.
Acuna’s performance in the Mets’ 10-1 win over the Nationals at Citi Field showed why they still believe they’re OK, even with Francisco Lindor out with back soreness.
“He is calm and composed,” said Mendoza after the victory. “He belongs in the big league.”
When Acuna learned of Mendoza’s comment, he said through an interpreter: “I think I deserve it and what he said is not a lie.”
According to his teammates, this attitude is one of the things that sets Acuna apart.
“He’s really confident,” said Tylor Megill, who played with Acuna in Triple-A this season. “He plays aggressively. Every time he goes out there, he gives it his best. He likes to swing the bat and he likes to swing it early. Nothing has changed since he’s been here.”
Not only is Acuna trying to prove himself at the highest level, but he’s doing so while starting shortstop in New York as the Mets try to make the playoffs – and doing so without their most consistent offensive player for most of the season.
“He’s settled in really quickly,” said Pete Alonso. “He’s been a total pro so far. I know it’s only been a few games, but I’m impressed with how he’s approaching things.”
The quick start to his MLB career was followed by an inconsistent season at Triple-A, which is one reason it took Acuna until almost mid-September to be promoted to the Major Leagues.
Apparently, he is wasting no time getting used to his new surroundings – and is getting some help from his brother Ronald, the injured Braves star.
“The trust comes from my brother,” says Acuna, who regularly talks to the former MVP and gets tips.
“I worked hard to do everything I could at Triple-A, and now I’m just here to help in any way I can,” Acuna said. “It was difficult at the beginning of the season, but I was able to make adjustments.”
