Before Tuesday’s game, the Mets announced that they have selected the contract of outfielder Rajai Davis and optioned Walker Lockett to Triple-A Syracuse.
Additionally, to make room on the 40-man roster for Davis, they designated right-handed reliever Brooks Pounders for assignment.
While Davis is an unspectacular addition to the Mets’ already thin bench, he at least adds some needed depth. The Mets have been rolling with a four-man bench for some time now, while not properly utilizing the extra reliever. With Davis, they now have a five-man bench and one fewer reliever, giving them more flexibility and options off the bench late in games.
Despite being 38 years old, Davis still has some speed. He is limited offensively though, having posted a below-average .744 OPS in Triple-A this year and a .691 OPS in his 14-year MLB career.
Davis contributed briefly for the Mets earlier this season, going 2-for-7 with a home run.
Lockett has posted a 7.79 ERA in four starts for the Mets this year. In 10 games (nine starts) for Triple-A Syracuse, he has a solid 3.91 ERA.
Pounders, after being designated for assignment, may or may not be claimed by another team. If he does, it would be a hit to the bullpen depth, but not a huge loss given he’s posted a 6.14 ERA in seven games for the Mets, as well as a 7.79 ERA in 14 games for Triple-A Syracuse.
