How these 3 Mets role players are showing their value with big performances

NEW YORK — Travis Jankowski, Luis Guillorme and Dominic Smith were all in danger of losing their spot with the Mets when their roster had to be trimmed down to 26 players on Monday.

The trio erased any questions whether it was the correct decision to designate eight-time All-Star Robinson Cano for assignment — at least for one night — in the Mets' doubleheader sweep of the Braves on Tuesday night at Citi Field.

With some speed, strong defense and timely hitting, each player played their own unique role in helping the Mets get over the hump against their NL East rivals.

"Whether it’s J.D.(Davis) or Luis or Travis, not only can they do that role, they’ve embraced it knowing there’s a couple of times this year where we’re going to need them to play every day," Buck Showalter said. "Shame on us if we don’t give them enough playing time to do it.

"It does say something about their skill. It’s not easy to sit over there and go out and play, especially in this weather, against the best team in the world last year. It’s a good day for us."

With all three players in the prime of their careers, they have developed a strong understanding of their strengths and limitations. Each player has carved out an individual role to contribute to the team's strong 18-8 start.

Set the table

Showalter said Jankowski was as excited as a Little Leaguer when he learned that he would be batting in the leadoff spot for the opening game of Tuesday's doubleheader.

That energy set the tone for the Mets at the top of their lineup.

The Stony Brook product flashed where he is truly at his best on Tuesday afternoon. He beat out a pair of infield singles, walked, stole a base and scored three times in the team's 5-4 victory over the Braves in the first game.

"That’s exactly what it is. That’s my game," Jankowski said. "I told you guys earlier in spring, I’m not the home run guy, I’m not the power guy. I know my role on this team is to get on base and cause havoc."

Jankowski remembers early in his career with the Padres as hitting coaches tried to squeeze all of the potential power out of his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame. He watched as his chase rate and strikeouts increased in his quest for power.

Now, he's comfortable utilizing his speed and doing whatever it takes to get on base, including laying down a slick bunt from time to time. In 17 games, Jankowski is slashing .320/.406/.727, has scored eight runs and stolen three bases. That quickness also allows him to play anywhere in the outfield.

"A guy in my role, it can kind of get overlooked," Jankowski said. "You really have to check your ego at the door every day. No one’s going to be buying my jersey, but I still think there’s a big part of what I bring to the table that is very important and very needed to winning teams and championship teams. I think that’s what we have this clubhouse."

Flash the leather

It only took the opening inning of Tuesday's doubleheader for Guillorme to prove his value for starting pitcher David Peterson.

During the first at-bat, Ozzie Albies ripped a skipping ball to the left side of the infield. Guillorme dove to his left, gloved the ball and turned it over to first for the opening out.

And in the next at-bat, Guillorme raced forward on a chopper up the middle to throw out Matt Olson for the second out.

When two-time Gold Glove winner Francisco Lindor needs a break, the surehanded fielding skills of Guillorme ensure the Mets do not take a step back.

"It’s amazing — all of our defense," Peterson said. " (Mark) Canha made a great play, Guillorme the first two of the game, Jankowski in center. It’s so much easier to pitch when you can pitch to contact and know that all eight of those guys have your back. We’ve got a good defense."

Guillorme is also versatile. Last season, he spent 27 games at third base, 18 at second base and 11 at shortstop.

And at the plate, he entered Tuesday's doubleheader on a four-game hitting streak. While that was snapped during the first game, he still walked twice and scored a run to bring his OBP to .375.

Provide the pop

Smith knew the scouting report on Braves starting pitcher Kyle Wright.

He likes to pound the zone and put away batters early, so Smith knew he had to match that aggression. So with a pair of runners in scoring position, Smith pushed the second pitch of his at-bat down the right-field line for a two-run double.

After sitting the opening game, Smith immediately had an effect with two early runs in the Mets' 3-0 win.

"I feel like it’s a mindset, it’s a swagger that we carry as a ballclub," Smith said. "At the same time, we do homework. We’re in here early, we’re studying and we’re learning about the game. When we go out and play, we’re confident about what we’re doing . I think it’s a combination of everything."

The 26-year-old, who learned the outfield last season, was pushed to the bench with the additions of Mark Canha and Starling Marte in the offseason. And trade rumors swirled that he may have been traded to the Padres in spring training.

He could have been sent down to Triple-A Syracuse if the Mets opted to hold on to Cano. But the Mets showed their belief in Smith and he proved his value, going 4-for-4 on Sunday and driving in five runs in his last nine at-bats.

"That shows the culture and the mindset that Buck instills in us," Smith said. "We’re all confident, no matter who’s on the field. We all feel like we’re supposed to win the ballgame and do the job and get the job done."

Andrew Tredinnick is the Mets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Mets analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.

Email: atredinnick@gannett.com Twitter: @andrew_tred

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Travis Jankowski, Dom Smith, Luis Guillorme show value for NY Mets