Mets manager Luis Rojas spoke to the media on Saturday and provided some injury updates. First and foremost, he said that J.D. Davis will go on a rehab assignment, quelling any suspicions that he might be activated for Saturday’s game against the Rays.
Also going on a rehab assignment will be Seth Lugo. He could be in Triple-A Syracuse in as soon as a few days, with Rojas indicating that he’ll be built up to be a multi-inning reliever. Rojas also said that he could “potentially join the team at the end of this month.”
As for Saturday’s game, the Mets will be starting Drew Smith in what should be a bullpen game, with Joey Lucchesi available behind him. Jake Hager will be on the taxi squad for the game; he was a first-round pick by the Rays in 2011 but has never played in the majors. Rojas said that the team is still contemplating a roster movie for its bench.
It was later reported by Tim Healey of Newsday that the Mets had selected Hager’s contract, optioned Khalil Lee to Triple-A and designated Trevor Hildenberger for assignment.
Jeff McNeil is not in the starting lineup, which Rojas said is due to the fact that the Rays have a lefty on the mound. He also noted that McNeil was not running at 100% on Friday. He’s expected to be available off the bench Saturday and to start on Sunday.
