Photo: Ed Delany, MMO
The Mets made a roster move on their off day, optioning catcher Ali Sánchez to the Alternate Training Site on Thursday.
Teams had to bring their active rosters down to 28 by noon on the 15th day of the season. By designating Ryan Cordell for assignment on Wednesday, the Mets only needed to make one additional move.
Sánchez was promoted to the major leagues for the first time on Monday, filling the spot left open by Yoenis Céspedes‘ placement on the restricted list.
The 23-year-old backstop, who was added to the 40-man roster over the winter, did not make an appearance in his three days with the team.
Though rosters were supposed to remain at 28 for the next 14-day segment of the season before being reduced to 26, MLB and the Player’s Association agreed this week to maintain the 28-man allowance through the end of the year, including the playoffs.
Despite a dinged-up Amed Rosario and Jeff McNeil, the Mets have opted (at least temporarily) to roster 10 relief pitchers and four bench players, though their depth will be tested if the two starting infielders remain out. Both have been unavailable yet still active for the last two games.
Sánchez remains the only position player at the Alternate Site that wouldn’t require an additional 40-man spot to bring back to the majors.
If the Mets need an additional infielder or outfielder, the likes of Juan Lagares, Max Moroff, and Jarrett Parker are available but would necessitate a spot on the 40-man roster, which is currently at capacity.
The team is hoping Jake Marisnick and Eduardo Núñez can return soon from their lower body injuries, though they cannot be activated until Aug. 8 and Aug. 9, respectively. Robinson Canó is eligible to be reinstated on Aug. 14.
