In a season that's been anything but smooth for the New York Mets, a bolt of youthful energy has arrived in Queens. Speedy outfield prospect A.J. Ewing made his major league debut Tuesday night at Citi Field against the Detroit Tigers, bringing a fast-tracked rise through the minors that mirrors his on-field explosiveness.
Called up after just 12 games with Triple-A Syracuse, the 21-year-old Ewing didn't waste any time making an impression. Batting eighth and starting in center field, he worked a tense, seven-pitch walk from Tigers starter Jack Flaherty in the second inning, loading the bases with one out. The Citi Field crowd responded with a warm ovation, signaling their hope that this young spark could ignite a lineup in desperate need of a jolt.
"I'm confident in my ability and I'm just going to play the same game that I've been playing," Ewing said before the game, his excitement palpable. "It's awesome to be here and I'm ready to go."
The Mets' decision to promote Ewing after only 58 games of experience above High-A ball speaks volumes about the urgency of their situation. Entering Tuesday, New York ranked 29th in batting average (.222), tied for last in runs scored (139), and dead last in OPS (.628) among all 30 major league teams. At 15-25, they own the worst record in baseball, a far cry from the high expectations that came with their star-studded payroll.
Injuries have ravaged the lineup. Opening-day center fielder Luis Robert Jr. is on the injured list with a herniated disc in his lumbar spine, while star shortstop Francisco Lindor and first baseman Jorge Polanco are also sidelined. The club is clearly looking for a spark, and Ewing—ranked as the Mets' No. 2 prospect behind pitcher Jonah Tong by MLB.com—represents a gamble on raw talent over seasoning.
"The situation the big league club is in and the opportunity that's here right now is certainly part of it," said president of baseball operations David Stearns. "But we would not have made the decision to promote A.J. if we didn't think he was ready for the moment."
Ewing, a left-handed hitter who was batting .326 with three doubles, a triple, and four RBIs in 51 plate appearances at Syracuse, showed his full toolset in his debut. After drawing that first-inning walk, he worked another free pass in the sixth and promptly stole second base, giving the Mets a glimpse of the speed that makes him such an intriguing prospect.
Whether this fast-tracked debut will be enough to reverse the Mets' fortunes remains to be seen, but for one night at least, the future arrived in Queens—and he's ready to run with it.