The New York Mets have claimed utility infielder Zack Short off waivers from the Detroit Tigers, officially announcing the move following Detroit’s designation of him for assignment. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Mets placed infielder Jorge Polanco on the 60-day injured list. Short, a 31-year-old glove-first player, joins a Mets infield in flux after Francisco Lindor’s ongoing injury and Bo Bichette’s expanded defensive role.
Short brings a wealth of defensive experience across multiple positions. He has logged over 900 innings at shortstop and hundreds more at second base and third base. His career line of .172/.273/.292 in 640 big league plate appearances shows limited offensive output. This season with the Tigers, he hit .167/.304/.222 in 46 plate appearances.
Despite his modest batting numbers, teams continue to value Short’s defensive versatility. Public defensive metrics are mixed, he’s recorded minus-10 Outs Above Average and minus-1 Defensive Runs Saved, but internal evaluations may paint a more favorable picture. The Mets likely see him as a situational shortstop option, especially with Lindor sidelined due to a left calf strain since April.
Short’s arrival could impact bench depth. Vidal Bruján, currently hitting .100/.182/.100 in 12 plate appearances, could be pushed off the roster. Alternatively, the Mets may option Eric Wagaman, who has seen limited action since being added to the roster in mid-May.
On the pitching side, Christian Scott was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right hip impingement, retroactive to June 12. Right-handers Daniel Duarte and Jonathan Pintaro were optioned to make room for recalled righty Tobias Myers and Pintaro.
Polanco’s 60-day IL placement is largely procedural. He was initially placed on the IL retroactive to April 15 with a right wrist contusion. His rehab was paused last week due to ankle soreness, and a return timeline remains unclear.
With Lindor out and Bichette handling shortstop duties, Short’s defensive presence could be valuable in late-game situations. The Mets now have a defensive specialist ready to step in when needed.
Next up: The Mets face the Atlanta Braves on Thursday at Citi Field. Short’s debut could come soon if Lindor’s recovery timeline shifts.
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