NEW YORK — Looking to spark their stagnant lineup, the New York Mets are making a change at first base.
Slumping veteran Adrian Gonzalez was released following a 2-0 victory over the Yankees on Sunday night, and the Mets will recall Dominic Smith from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday when they begin a 10-game road trip in Atlanta.
The 36-year-old Gonzalez, who struck out in all three at-bats Sunday, hit .237 with six home runs and 26 RBIs for the Mets. The five-time All-Star was signed for the major league minimum during the off-season after struggling with a bad back last year with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Mets also announced they plan to call up utilityman Ty Kelly from Triple-A on Tuesday. Reserve catcher Jose Lobaton will be designated for assignment.
Smith, who turns 23 this week, was batting .260 with two homers and 25 RBIs at Las Vegas. Drafted 11th overall out of high school in 2013, the touted prospect scuffled in the majors as a rookie last season, hitting .198 with nine homers, 26 RBIs and a .658 OPS in 49 games.
He slimmed down over the winter and came to spring training this year with a chance to compete for the starting job at first base. But he was disciplined early in camp for arriving late one day and then he strained a quad, keeping him out of the lineup for most of the spring.
The Mets also could play outfielders Jay Bruce and Jose Bautista at first base. Reserve infielder Wilmer Flores, who often starts at first against left-handed pitchers, could come off the disabled list during the upcoming road trip.
Flores has been sidelined since May 28 by a sore lower back.
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