After designating him for assignment on Saturday, the Mets have sent catcher Jose Lobaton outright to Triple-A Las Vegas, sources told Mets Merized.
Lobaton, 33, served as the team’s starting backstop following injuries to Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki, but had been relegated to a limited bench role following the acquisition of Devin Mesoraco from the Cincinnati Reds.
In 52 plate appearances, Lobaton posted a .152/.250/.239 line and -0.6 bWAR. He caught only three of the 12 runners who attempted to steal against him.
Since he has accrued over five years of major league service time, Lobaton could have elected free agency after clearing waivers. However, he’ll return to Las Vegas, where he was 7-21 with a home run to begin the season, and defer the free agency decision to after the regular season. Johnny Monell has seen most of the Triple-A catching reps in the meantime.
The Mets originally signed Lobaton to a minor league contract on December 15.
