The New York Mets announced that C Kevin Plawecki has been optioned to AAA- Las Vegas. Although it was going to be a long shot, Plawecki did have an outside shot to win the back-up catcher's job if he was able to display better hitting and receiving abilities this Spring. Unfortunately for him, Plawecki suffered a hyperextended knee injury early in camp that limited him to only 26 ABs this spring. In 13 games, Plawecki hit .269 AVG with 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 double, and 8 K's vs only 1 BB.
As a result, Rene Rivera will be the club's back-up catcher once again for the 2017 season. Although he only received 16 ABs himself this spring, Rivera posted a .375 AVG with more BBs (3) than Ks (2). The fact that he has such a good rapport with ace Noah Syndergaard, and is the club's best asset against opposing team's running game, gave Rivera a huge edge in this position battle.
(Nothing to see here folks....Plawecki would've needed to hit .400 with 5 HR or some crazy stat line in order to unseat Rivera. Although, at that point....he could've just as likely unseated d'Arnaud too.)
I have been offline all day and away from the television.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone have an update on Juan Lagares?
Rene could well be the starting catcher
ReplyDeleteThe MRI showed only a "mild strain". He MAY be on the OD roster.
ReplyDeleteI still believe KP will be a long term MLB Rotational Catcher---he'll have a good career
ReplyDeleteMack, the only thing I saw the other day was Lagares saying he felt much better...for what that is worth.
ReplyDeletePlawecki has to hit like he can - if he does, he is as good as TDA, perhaps better.
One more thought: Lagares with an Oblique injury, early in the season? Please be cautious.
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