SportsPulse: MLB insider Bob Nightengale talks about timely topics, including the disappointing NL West and New York Mets. USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets began the season 11-1, but since then things have gone sideways.
After snapping an eight-game losing streak on Sunday night with a 2-0 win over the New York Yankees, the team announced some roster changes.
Veteran first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was granted his release, while catcher Jose Lobaton was designated for assignment.
Gonzalez, 36, entered Sunday batting .241 with a .304 OBP in 53 games. He signed a one-year deal in the offseason following parts of six seasons with the Dodgers.
The first overall pick of the 2000 draft is a career .287 hitter.
"He hasn’t hit the ball in the air too much lately. For a guy that can’t run, that’s kind of a tough deal," Mets hitting coach Pat Roessler said before Sunday's game. "He knows what he’s doing. Like the rest of us, he’s in a funk.”
Lobaton was batting just .152 in limited action (19 games).
Dominic Smith and Ty Kelly will fill their spots on the roster.
Earlier Sunday, the Mets announced that Yoenis Cespedes had suffered a setback during a rehab assignment.
Infielder Asdrubal Cabrera then exited the game vs. the Yankees due to a tight left hamstring.
Contributing: USA TODAY Network's Matt Ehalt
