Mets call up Brandon Nimmo, option Michael Conforto

The Mets have added outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the major league roster, optioning Michael Conforto to the minors, the team announced today.

Nimmo, one of the organization’s top prospects and a first-round draft pick in 2011, has been having a breakout season at Triple-A Las Vegas, batting .328/.409/.508 in 287 plate appearances. The Pacific Coast League being what it is—namely, a league with ballparks that are very favorable to hitters—it’s hard to trust that these stats will hold up at the major league level, but his .917 OPS is the best that Nimmo has posted at any level in the minors.

Conforto looked like he was in line for an All-Star season after a ridiculous April where he posted a 1.118 OPS and moved up to the number three spot in the lineup. But an extended slump has convinced the organization that some time in the minors might be helpful for the young outfielder.

It’s worth recalling that Conforto’s 2015 call up came earlier than anyone expected. His strong play in the minors and Michael Cuddyer’s weak hitting forced the organization’s hand. Now, Conforto’s slump has opened the door for Nimmo’s major league debut.