It took New York Mets backup catcher Ronny Paulino more than half of spring training before he finally showed up to camp more than three weeks late due to visa problems stemming from his 50 game PED suspension.
It now looks like Paulino will miss even more time as recent bloodwork revealed a serious problem that will require additional tests.
According to general manager Sandy Alderson, the results revealed serious issues with his stomach and colon. He has been shut down pending more test results that will not be due back until the end of the week.
“It does appear there are stomach and colon issues that will keep him out for a while, and we don’t know the extent of either of those, but we do think it will keep him out for a while based on the medication he’ll have to take,” Alderson said.
Obviously, we wish Paulino well and hope this is something that can be resolved quickly and painlessly. he is expected to be placed on the DL after he completes his 8-game suspension to start the season.
In the meantime, Mike Nickeas will serve as Josh Thole’s backup until Paulino returns back to action.
