PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets have made a decision about struggling DH Darin Ruf, designating him for assignment.

The 36-year-old right-handed hitter will not be included on the club’s Opening Day roster. Instead, the Mets will select outfielder Tim Locastro, a speedy base-stealing specialist. The Mets can take advantage of the new rules that encourage more action on the basepaths with Locastro, a speedy base-stealing specialist.

Ruf was acquired at the trade deadline last season from the San Francisco Giants. The Mets sent four players, including third baseman J.D. Davis, to the Giants in exchange for Ruf, who was acquired to hit left-handed pitching. But Ruf found the change of scenery to be difficult and he found it especially difficult to struggle in New York. He hit just .152 with a .413 OPS and no home runs with the Mets.

He came into camp with tendinitis in his wrist and received a cortisone injection, which cleared up the pain. Still, Ruf struggled to hit going 5-for-30 (.167) with two doubles, four walks and nine strikeouts in Grapefruit League play.

Locastro had a strong spring, hitting .289 with a .907 OPS, five doubles, a triple, a home run and six stolen bases in six attempts. A Syracuse native who spent time with the Yankees last summer, Locastro can create runs and force errors with his speed and base-running abilities.

It’s tough to give up on a player that took so much to acquire but the Mets have seemingly admitted defeat with this trade. The Mets will now give the DH at-bats to Daniel Vogelbach and outfielder Tommy Pham, who was signed in part for his ability to hit left-handed pitching.

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