Luisangel Acuna keeps forcing way into Mets lineup due to strong play

Don’t miss Mike Puma’s text messages from Queens and beyond — he’s giving Sports+ subscribers the inside buzz on the Mets.Jeff McNeil is back from the right oblique strain that sidelined him in spring training, but Luisangel Acuña still is getting plenty of time at second base.Acuña started at second for a fourth straight game Tuesday, with the Mets facing Arizona lefty Eduardo Rodriguez and McNeil, who’s also seen time in center field, not in the lineup.Acuña entered Tuesday with an .811 OPS in his previous 13 games and had two hits, a pair of runs scored and a stolen base in an 8-3 win.Carlos Mendoza said the team will continue to find playing time for Acuña.“He’s taken advantage of his opportunities,” the manager said of Acuña.

“That’s on us to continue his development and to continue to give him playing time.It’s important for him to get comfortable at this level.

He continues to show he’s a big league player.”Acuña also impressed when he scored from first on Tyrone Taylor’s double in the second.“There’s a lot to like,” Mendoza said.After Brandon Nimmo tied a franchise record with nine RBIs in Monday’s win over the Nationals, the outfielder didn’t play Tuesday.Mendoza made clear he wasn’t simply giving Nimmo a day off against a lefty following his career-best day.“I’m not resting Brandon, especially after the game [Monday],” the manager said.Instead, Mendoza said Nimmo was among the Mets players to be hit with a flu-like bug.Juan Soto gave the Mets a scare in the top of the fifth, when he appeared to be shaken up following an awkward diving attempt at a liner to right field by Arizona’s Jorge Barrosa.Soto couldn’t make the catch, which fell for an RBI double.Mendoza and a trainer checked on Soto, who stayed in the game.Afterward, Mendoza said Soto was “fine.”Mendoza said the Mets hadn’t decided on a starter for Wednesday but added left-hander Brandon Waddell would be called up from Triple-A Syra...