On the eve of the season opener, Mets reliever, Buddy Carlyle has an out-clause on his contract that he can exercise, assuming he is not on the Opening Day roster.
The Mets are deciding whether to carry an extra bullpen pitcher in substitution of a bench player, which would reduce the bench to four players. They currently have seven relievers who all appear safe for Opening Day in Jenrry Mejia, Jeurys Familia, Jerry Blevins, Alex Torres, Carlos Torres, Rafael Montero and Sean Gilmartin..
Carlyle would in effect become the Mets No. 8 reliever if they do decide to carry an extra arm.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, it is unclear whether Carlyle would exercise his out or accept going to Triple-A Las Vegas, but that is part of the calculus the Mets must weigh. Carlyle has declined to address the topic this week.
According to Mets skipper, Terry Collins, the reasons for considering eight relievers is not related to Carlyle and his out clause, but instead it’s result of the starting pitchers not being able to throw 110 or 115 pitches. They haven’t been stretched enough just yet, Collins said. He declined to elaborate or discuss why his starters haven’t been stretched enough so far after a full spring training.
Collins acknowledged that having four bench players could create some risks offensively especially if Daniel Murphy‘s pulled right hamstring is not fully recovered and he might need some days off in early going.
Should the Mets be short of bats during the latter part of games, they will consider bringing Jacob deGrom to pinch hit if necessary. The loser in this scenario would be Eric Campbell who will head to Las Vegas until he’s needed..
