The return for Ruben Tejada was short-lived as the Mets designated him for assignment on Thursday according to Tim Healey of Newsday. To take his place, the Mets are calling up right-hander Chris Flexen from Triple-A Syracuse.
Tejada, somehow still only 29, lasted eight days on the Mets roster and went 0-for-9 with three strikeouts in that span. The veteran infielder was signed by the Mets in March to a minor league deal.
The 25-year-old Flexen has a 4.30 ERA, 4.12 FIP, and 10.55 K.9 this season in 73.1 inning for Syracuse. The Mets transitioned the former starter to the bullpen on June 12 and called him up to the majors after only one minor league relief appearance. He had a 3.68 ERA and nine strikeouts in 7.1 innings as reliever for the Mets. He showed off increased velocity in his four-seamer and slider.
Flexen’s last two appearances in the minors have been as a starter however.
The Mets are going back to an eight-man bullpen a day after Marcus Stroman was pulled before the fifth inning with hamstring tightness. The move leaves the Mets 40-man roster at 39.
