Mets call up Luisangel Acuña

The New York Mets called up Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., the team announced Saturday.

He'll make his major-league debut against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, hitting ninth and playing shortstop.

Acuña is the 12th-ranked prospect in the Mets' farm system. The 22-year-old has been stationed at Triple-A Syracuse for the 2024 season, hitting .258/.299/.355 with seven homers and 14 steals over 131 games while playing shortstop, center field, and second base.

The Mets acquired Acuña at last year's trade deadline in the blockbuster deal that sent right-hander Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers.

New York had planned to call Acuña up before Francisco Lindor exited Friday night's game against the Philadelphia Phillies due to back soreness, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

In a corresponding move, the Mets optioned outfielder DJ Stewart to Triple-A.

The Mets continue their three-game set in Philadelphia on Saturday. They're 81-66, seven games back of the Phillies for the division lead and holding a one-game lead over the Braves for the final NL wild-card spot.