The New York Mets are counting on young infielders Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña to step up as they fill in for the injured Jeff McNeil at second base. Both players have shown promise defensively but struggle at the plate, with Acuña hitting just 2-for-14 and Baty 2-for-21. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns emphasized the need for improved performance to allow one of them to solidify a utility role as the team approaches a healthier lineup.

Despite their batting woes, both players have exceeded expectations defensively. Baty's shift to second has been smoother than anticipated, while Acuña's defensive skills have been his hallmark. The Mets hope to see more production from the bottom of their lineup, especially with stars like McNeil and Francisco Alvarez potentially returning soon. The Mets' pitching, particularly their bullpen, has been integral in keeping the team competitive, which stands at 6-3, buoyed by a strong 1.29 relief ERA.