New York Mets right-handed reliever Fernando Salas has yet to pitch in a Grapefruit League game this spring despite being listed as a scheduled pitcher multiple times.
Kristie Acket of New York Daily News reports that Salas was unable to get a work visa to pitch in springs games for the Mets but has been throwing in simulated games.
The Mets are hopeful that Salas will get his work via for the United States when he returns to Mexico to play in the WBC which starts next week.
Salas, 31, had a 2.08 ERA and 0.64 WHIP with the Mets after coming over in an August trade with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In 17.1 innings with the Mets he struck out 19 and walked nobody.
The veteran Salas signed a one-year, $3 million deal to return to the Mets right before pitchers and catchers reported.
Team Mexico begins their WBC play on March 9 against Italy. Mets minor league catcher Xorge Carrillo will join Salas on the Mexican squad.
