Mets Demote Acuña, Promote Jankowski Amid NL East Struggles

The New York Mets have made several roster moves, including demoting 23-year-old utility player Luisangel Acuña to their Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse due to his recent slump and limited playing time. Acuña, brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., has seen his batting average drop to .241 this season and primarily served as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement before the demotion. To bolster their outfield depth, the Mets promoted veteran outfielder Travis Jankowski, who has returned to the Mets for his third stint after recent time with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays; Jankowski is valued for his speed and defensive skills. The moves coincide with the Mets’ struggles, having lost nine of their last ten games and trailing the NL East division leaders. Additionally, the Mets signed left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady and transferred outfielder Jose Siri to the 60-day injured list. These changes reflect the Mets' efforts to improve performance as they compete in a tight NL East race.