16 Rick Ankiel, CF

Mets outfielder Rick Ankiel went 2 for 4 with a two-run home run Saturday in an 8-2 loss to the Cubs.

Ankiel scored once and struck out once. He has hit safely in four-straight games and is batting .300 with two home runs in six games since joining the Mets.  

Mets center fielder Rick Ankiel hit his first home run as a member of his new team Wednesday night in a 2-for-4 performance. The two-run homer represented all the New York scoring in a 4-2 loss to the Cardinals.

Ankiel's home run was his sixth of the season after hitting five as part of the Astros earlier this year. He has hit .200/.243/.500 this year.

The Mets added another player to their carousel in the outfield Monday, signing free agent Rick Ankiel and immediately popping him into the starting lineup at center field. New York manager Terry Collins said Ankiel will be part of a platoon in center with the veteran slugger starting against right-handed pitchers and Juan Lagares taking over versus southpaws.

The Mets agreed to terms with free agent Rick Ankiel and inserted the veteran outfielder into the starting lineup for Monday's game at St. Louis, CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports. Ankiel, who started his career with the Cardinals, replaced Andrew Brown on the active roster after joining his fifth team since 2010. 

Desperately seeking a spark in their stagnant outfield, the Mets have discussed a possible deal for free agent Rick Ankiel, CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports. Ankiel was released by the Astros last week after hitting just .194 with five home runs in 25 games.

New York's outfield has been a sore spot this season as the team has lacked consistent production from the position and posted a collective .222 batting average, which includes a .182 mark from its center fielders. Overall, the Mets scored just 14 runs on their recent six-game homestand.