Mets likely Luisangel Acua-Brett Baty decision has become even more challenging

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.The second-base decisions have grown more difficult for manager Carlos Mendoza, who is juggling two differently talented and little-proven options.Luisangel Acuña is playing well.

All of a sudden so is Brett Baty, who earned the nod against righty Miles Mikolas on Friday.Entering play, Acuña had gone 8-for-21 (.381) with a .458 OBP and four steals in his previous seven games.Baty had gone 7-for-22 (.318) with a double, triple and two RBIs in his previous six games.“Trying to find a balance to keep both somehow fresh with game action.

They’re both playing well, so it makes it a lot harder,” Mendoza said before the Mets faced the Cardinals at Citi Field.“But that’s a good problem to have.”The problem will take on some added stakes in the coming days.Acuña and Baty have been filling in for Jeff McNeil, whose rehab assignment will continue Saturday and Sunday with Double-A Binghamton.

After the back-to-back, it is likely he will be activated — and likely he will kick either Acuña or Baty back to Triple-A Syracuse.That scenario is likely, but not definite.The Mets are carrying José Azocar as a fourth outfielder, and Azocar cannot be optioned without being exposed to waivers.

Could Acuña — who has again begun taking reps at center field, where he could help fill in for the injured Jose Siri — assume the backup outfield spot, while Baty becomes the primary backup infielder?“Too early to tell.I think we’ll cross that bridge when we have to,” Mendoza said.

“They’re both playing well, so I hope that’s the case that it’s going to be a very difficult decision [of who leaves when McNeil joins].”Acuña has carved out a role as a part-time player who has begun adjusting to major league pitching, who plays excellent defense really anywhere and can be a valuable late-game pinch-runner.Entering play, he...