#Billy Hamilton demoted by Mets after base-running botch

“#Billy Hamilton demoted by Mets after base-running botch”

September 5, 2020 | 1:56am

Billy Hamilton had one job with the Mets. After failing at it again in Thursday’s win over the Yankees, now he has no job.

The Mets designated the 29-year-old for assignment before Friday’s 5-3 loss to the Phillies to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Erasmo Ramirez, selected from the team’s alternate site in Brooklyn.

Manager Luis Rojas criticized Hamilton after he was thrown out trying to steal third in the bottom of the ninth with no one out Thursday at Citi Field, but on Friday, Rojas said the move was made simply because the Mets needed depth for their overworked bullpen.

“We had six position players on the bench and had to do the move,’’ Rojas said after the latest loss. “[Hamilton] was of great value to us. We knew he could take the next bag or come in and play elite center field. He’s a winning player. … It was a tough move, but needed at the moment.”

His performance Thursday didn’t help his cause. Rojas noted it was the second time Hamilton had “been overly aggressive in a situation.”

Mets — Billy Hamilton slides into second baseAP

The ill-advised steal attempt came after Hamilton had been balked to second base by Aroldis Chapman. Afterward, Rojas said he talked to Hamilton about the mistake, which the manager called “just not good baseball at the time.”

Hamilton’s other error on the basepaths came in a game in Philadelphia on Aug. 14, when he was tagged out trying to reach third after the throw to second on his stolen-base attempt was late and rolled away from the infielders. Didi Gregorius picked up the ball and nailed Hamilton at third.

The Mets acquired Hamilton from the Giants on Aug. 2 in exchange for 24-year-old right-hander Jordan Humphreys.

In 17 games with the Mets, Hamilton went 1-for-22 in 25 plate appearances. He also stole three bases and was caught once — on Thursday.

Ramirez was originally signed by the Mets in January, but was released in June and re-signed with the Mets later the same month. He last appeared in the majors a year ago, when he pitched in one game with the Red Sox. He is expected to pitch out of the bullpen for a Mets team in need of length from both starters and relievers these days.

The Mets began wearing a black and white “41” patch on their right sleeve Friday night to honor Tom Seaver and will wear it for the remainder of the season. Seaver died Monday at 75.

The Mets announced plans last year to erect a Seaver statue, following a long outcry from fans to honor the greatest player in franchise history. According to club sources, the statue will likely be ready by the early part of next season. Last year, the street adjacent to Citi Field was formally changed to Tom Seaver Way.

Steven Matz (left shoulder bursitis) and Dellin Betances (lat) played catch prior to Friday’s game. Both pitchers are on the injured list. … The Mets showed a brief video tribute of Zack Wheeler prior to the game. Wheeler starts against the Mets on Monday for the Phillies. … Dominic Smith ended a season-worst 0-for-12 skid with hits in his final two at-bats on Friday.