Former New York Mets catcher Johnny Monell announced on his Instagram account that he is returning to the organization. It’s sure to be minor league deal with him reporting to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Monell was in spring training with the Tampa Bay Rays this year before getting cut late in camp. The last time Monell got major league at-bats was when he slashed .167/.231/.208 for the Mets in 2015. He spent the 2017 hitting .165/.305/.282 in the Korean Baseball Organization.
The move comes as no surprise as the Mets learned earlier on Friday that Kevin Plawecki has a hairline fracture in his left hand and Travis d’Arnaud has a partially torn UCL. Plawecki is expected out 2-3 weeks while d’Arnaud will likely be out for the season if he opts to have surgery.
Tomas Nido was recalled to the majors on Wednesday and veteran Jose Lobaton is expected to join the Mets tonight. Meaning the Mets need depth at the Triple-A level which is what Monell will provide.
Mike Puma of the New York Post reported that the Mets have also touched base with the Miami Marlins about catcher J.T. Realmuto.
