To possibly help address the Mets and Las Vegas outfield depth issues, the New York Mets have signed outfielder Ezequiel Carrera to a minor league deal and gave assigned him to Triple-A.
The Mets depth issues were precipitated by Yoenis Cespedes going on the Disabled List and Juan Lagares likely done for the season.
This makes the Las Vegas 51s outfield dilemma all the more concerting. At the moment, Bryce Brentz is on the disabled list leading the Mets to sign Patrick Kivlehan, who has gotten off to a slow start.
Carrera should give Las Vegas sufficient depth to permit the Mets to call either Matt den Dekker or Ty Kelly to the majors in the event the Mets opt to no longer go with a short bench and 13 man bullpen.
Carrera has been twice released this season with his most recent release occurring yesterday.
In 26 games for the Braves Triple-A affiliate, Carrera was hitting .146/.228/.220 with three doubles, a homer, and four RBI. He has split time between right and left field, and he has no made an error.
Last year, Carrera played 131 games for the Blue Jays hitting .282/.356/.408 with 10 doubles, a triple, eight homers, 20 RBI. He also had 10 stolen bases in 11 attempts.
This is a homecoming of sorts for Carrera. In 2005, Carrera was signed by the Mets out of Venezuela. He would play three years in the Mets organization before being moved to the Mariners in the infamous three team deal which headlined J.J. Putz going to the Mets.
The Mets also announced they’ve signed infielder Christian Colon to a minor league deal and assigned him to Triple-A.
