Barajas Returns From DL And Could Be Traded, F-Mart Demoted

The Mets are reportedly activating catcher Rod Barajas from the disabled list and expect to have him available for tonight’s game against the Astros.

As the Mets face a decision over how long to retain three catchers.

Josh Thole has earned the majority of the starts lately with his solid play, but Barajas could cut into Thole’s playing time, with Henry Blanco basically serving as the seldom used third catcher.

Andy Martino of the Daily News opens up the possibility that the Mets could trade Barajas and eliminate the logjam.

A major league source said that the Mets had placed Barajas on waivers, which could lead to another team claiming him and/or a trade being facilitated. So we’ll keep our eye on that.

Incidentally, Martino also writes that Fernando Martinez will be sent down today to make room for Barajas, with Mike Hessman remaining with the team for now.

If you hadn’t noticed Jerry Manuel never seemed very pleased to see F-Mart get promoted during Bay’s absence, and played him very sparingly. Martinez batted .167 during his cup of coffee with the Mets in 2009, and this year he fared no better batting .176 in just 18 at-bats.