The Mets have already brought back Jose Reyes this offseason and continue to monitor the market for additional infield help.
However, T.J. Rivera, who is on the road to recovery after undergoing Tommy John surgery, hopes to still help the team in 2018, according to Matt Ehalt of The Record and North Jersey.com.
“It’s tough to see because if things were going the way you want and I was healthy, I might have a chance to compete for that job,” Rivera told The Record and NorthJersey.com about the uncertain infield situation. “That’s always my goal. I just want a chance and opportunity to get after it and let the best man win. That’s what make it hard. You know you can’t go out there and compete with everything you got until your time is ready.”
While Rivera hasn’t begun throwing yet, he hopes to return by May. He went under the knife in September, but the recovery time for position players is less time intensive than for pitchers.
“Tough part of the offseason is trying to stay really positive about when I’m going to be ready,” Rivera said. “It’s tough to be on the sideline watching it.”
In 73 games for the Amazin’s last year, Rivera logged a .290/.330/.430 slash line with five homers and 27 RBI in 231 plate appearances.
According to The Record and NorthJersey.com, the infielder is participating in physical activity five or six times a week. However, the team can’t afford to wait for him like they will with Michael Conforto.
“You want to go out there and show them what kind of player you are to the guys who haven’t seen you or don’t know much about you,” Rivera said. “Just stay positive and waiting for my time.”
