Mets' Carlos Mendoza has one A.J. Ewing concern after stellar debut

Exciting New York Mets outfield prospect A.J. Ewing produced a stellar performance in his official MLB debut, as he reached base four times and drove home two runs to help the Mets earn a 10-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night. 

While manager Carlos Mendoza was understandably pleased with what Ewing offered the struggling Mets at Citi Field, the skipper also doesn't want the youngster to feel like he has to serve as a savior this spring. 

Mets want to be "fair" to A.J. Ewing after debut

"We're going to need him and everyone in that room. It's not fair to put it just on him," Mendoza said about Ewing after the victory that improved the Mets to 16-25, per Colin Martin of SNY. "The fact that he's able to keep the line moving, give you quality at-bats. With him right now hitting at the bottom of the order, the more we can turn that lineup over, we're going to have chances to score runs. Like I said, we're going to need him and everyone in there."

Ewing worked counts en route to drawing three walks, the last of which occurred with the bases loaded, and he recorded two runs scored to go along with a stolen base. He also became the first player in franchise history to record a triple in his debut.

"Pretty impressive," Mendoza added about Ewing's outing. "From the very beginning, the first at-bat, the quality of the at-bat, the takes, not panicking, just under control. He got ahead and was still able to take pitches close to the strike zone. And just the way he was taking them. There was rhythm; he's on time. Pretty good idea. Obviously, something that we've seen in the past, the way he controls the strike zone. But man, he was pretty much perfect at the plate today, and it was just good to see that."

A.J. Ewing being realistic about what he could be for struggling Mets

Before Tuesday's game, the perception existed that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns rushed Ewing to the big leagues in a desperate attempt to save what already seems to be a lost season for the club. Ewing was happy to provide a spark for the last-place team, but the 21-year-old also understands he and any one player can only do so much as the Mets attempt to climb out of the basement of the standings.

"I think energy's always great, but I'm just here to play baseball and do my job, and that's just be the player I am," Ewing said after the win. 

The Mets next host the 19-23 Tigers on Wednesday night.