There's little doubt that Michael Conforto continues to be in the future long term plans of the New York Mets. However, after Friday's trade deadline deal to acquire Yoenis Cespedes, Conforto's immediate future is in question. Both Conforto and Cespedes exclusively play left field and Conforto's been struggling at the plate. He went 4-4 in just his second big league game after an 0-3 debut. Since that thrilling second game, he's 0-12 with five strikeouts.


Mets GM Sandy Alderson said in a press conference addressing the trade that Conforto has made a great impression on the organization but gave no indication of what is to become of the former first round draft pick in the next few days. Cespedes is expected to join the team on Saturday.


One player who knows how tough the adjustment to the big leagues can be is catcher Travis d'Arnaud. d'Arnaud returns to the Mets Friday after a brief rehab stint with the Binghamton Mets. When he does, he may share thoughts with Conforto similar to those he gave to the local media upon his arrival in Binghamton earlier in the week.


"Just remembering to play baseball, there's so many different things going on, especially in New York City, that can distract you or can take your thoughts away from a pitch coming at you," d'Arnaud said. "So, for me the key was to just remember it's baseball and just have the same routine and the same approach every single day."


The Mets begin a three game series with the Nationals at home. New York trails Washington by three games in the NL East.


Conforto hit .312 with five home runs and 26 RBI in 45 game with the B-Mets before his call up to New York.