According to Adam Rubin of ESPN NY, the Mets will try to freshen up a tired and weary bullpen by calling up pitcher Tobi Stoner, who is expected to be promoted from Triple-A Buffalo in time for tonight’s game against the Cardinals which will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Stoner (0-1, 4.32 ERA) had last pitched Tuesday for the Bisons, so he would be fully rested in case John Maine needs an early bailout.
The 25-year-old right-hander had allowed four earned runs, nine hits, three walks and had struck out five in 8 1/3 innings over two starts for Buffalo.
He appeared in four games for the Mets in September, compiling a 4.00 ERA in nine innings.
To make room for Tobi Stoner, the Mets have designated first baseman Mike Jacobs for assignment. So in a span of 11 games, Jacobs has gone from the Mets Opening Day cleanup hitter to baseball oblivion.
Jacobs had been a huge drag on the offense and never really seemed to fit in. He batted .208 in 28 at-bats with seven strikeouts. Defensively he showed terrible range and poor instincts.
Newsday’s David Lennon reported via Twitter, that Jacobs has an option left, and that he can be sent to Triple-A. Jacobs says he doesn’t want to go down to sit on the bench, however Lennon suggests, “if the Mets want Jacobs to stay, they should call up Davis”.
So to summarize, hopefully these moves signal a few things,
1. Jeff Francoeur will move up in the lineup.
2. Daniel Murphy is close to a return.
3. Ike Davis may be one step closer to the Major Leagues. Davis, 23, is off to a hot start in the minors, hitting .357/.514/.679 through his first nine games.
One thing is certain though, losing Jacobs is a perfect example of addition by subtraction.
