May
4
2012

Mets Option Chris Schwinden, Call-up Vinny Rottino

An article by Hojo's Mojo

The New York Mets today announced the team has selected the contract of outfielder Vinny Rottino from Buffalo (AAA) of the International League and optioned righthanded pitcher Chris Schwinden to the Bisons. Rottino will wear uniform #33 and will be available for tonight’s game vs. Arizona. In addition, righthanded pitcher Mike Pelfrey was transferred to the 60-Day Disabled List while he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Rottino, 32, hit .317 (33-104) with 13 runs scored, eight doubles, one triple, one home run and 14 RBI in 27 games with Buffalo this year. The 6-1, 215-pounder had at least one hit in his last 14 games with the Bisons, dating back to April 18. Rottino hit .339 (19-56) during that stretch. He played only in the outfield this season for Buffalo, after catching and appearing in the infield and outfield during Spring Training for the Mets. Rottino batted .276 (16-58) with five RBI in 26 games this spring with the Mets.

Rottino last appeared in the majors last year with the Marlins, batting .167 (2-12) in eight games. His last major league start came on September 25, 2011 with the Marlins at Milwaukee. Rottino played in 18 games with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2006-2008.

Schwinden was 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA (10 earned runs/8.0 innings) in two starts for New York.

Thoughts from Joe D. – Obviously this comes as no surprise regarding Schwinden, but because the Mets wont need another starter for another two days, they held off on bringing up a pitcher. Color me surprised that Manny Acosta survived this day. Please don’t tell me Batista is our 5th starter. We actually mentioned Rottino in our Farm Report title this morning – the man is on fire!

About the Author: Rob Johnson

9 Comments + Add Comment

jerseymet May 4, 2012 at 2:39 pm

This is an odd move. So Spin goes down when for in a couple of days for a starter.
srt May 4, 2012 at 2:40 pm

Interesting. So Schwinden’s not getting another start up here.
Wonder who will be starting what would have been his next start?
- Angelo May 4, 2012 at 3:01 pm
  
  the second phillies game next tuesday
  - trs86 May 4, 2012 at 3:06 pm
    
    They should shift it to Gee and get back on schedule.
    - srt May 4, 2012 at 3:10 pm
      
      Good idea.
kevin May 4, 2012 at 2:49 pm

Weird about Rottino.
trs86 May 4, 2012 at 3:03 pm

I would imagine that means Jordany might get sent down for a pitcher in a day or two. Turner can be the backup SS and Vinny can backup the entire field except for CF.
Tom May 4, 2012 at 3:39 pm

Hefner has to be better then Schloseden. He was smacked around miserably.

Valdespin needs to get sent back down. Needs regular at bats. I would support keeping Rottino up and use him as backup C and anywhere else and pop off the bench. Nikeas has shown that he is Harrelsonish at the dish at least Buddy could drop down the bunt.

This series is make or break for fence sitting Met fans. Let’s hope we take an exciting series. Houston was just a tad hard to swallow. We made them look so big.

I’m in for the long haul, support the direction of embellishing the farm and when it is time to pull the plug on the young arms go for the FA missing pieces. Sounds like 2015.

I like the youth and energy and D. Wright needs to be signed pronto.

As far as tonight I think that I’d rather see Rottino then Hairston. He hit for the cycle in a huge loss and strikes or flies out otherwise. Actually prefer Kirk to both. I guess Collins is playing lefty righty platoon. How long and what happens when JBAY comes back? Time to assess how Torres is doing?
David Skolnik May 4, 2012 at 5:27 pm

Vinny Rottino. Nice Italian name. I hope he has the spark and enthusiasm of a Lee Mazzilli and not a box of Italian pasta. Oh sorry, that’s Rotini.

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