ATLANTA — The Mets are going Young in the outfield.
In search of anybody who can help jumpstart a lethargic lineup, the Mets yesterday acquired outfielder Eric Young Jr. from the Rockies in exchange for pitcher Collin McHugh.
The 28-year-old Young, a native of New Brunswick, N.J., was hitting .242 with a homer and six RBIs and eight stolen bases in 57 games before he was designated for assignment by the Rockies on June 12.
Young is a career .261 hitter with 70 stolen bases in 313 major league games. McHugh made three appearances for the Mets this season and was 0-1 with a 10.29 ERA.
* The Mets are expected today to announce the signing of No. 1 pick Dominic Smith, the 11th overall selection in this year’s draft. Smith, a first baseman, reportedly will receive a $2.6 million signing bonus.
* Scott Atchison, who was activated from the disabled list yesterday, felt tightness in his right groin while warming up before the seventh inning of Game 2. The right-hander was removed from the game before throwing a pitch and will be evaluated today.
* Collin Cowgill was designated for assignment and Andrew Brown will be called up from Triple-A Las Vegas. It will be Brown’s second stint with the Mets this season.
* Zack Wheeler was added to the roster as the 26th man for the doubleheader — each team is afforded an extra player — then optioned to Triple-A after the game. He will return to the Mets in time for his next scheduled start, on Tuesday against the White Sox.
By going that route, the Mets will have an extra body for the next five games. Wheeler won’t pitch for Las Vegas, but will throw a side session with team personnel watching later in the week.
* Justin Turner was placed on the disabled list with a left rib cage strain, leaving Jordany Valdespin as the Mets’ only backup middle infielder. Terry Collins said the team might not look to add another infielder until next week, after playing the White Sox in Chicago. With the DH used in those two games, the manager said his bench will be less of a factor.