The Mets have three catchers on the roster, but the number might actually be closer to 1 ½.
Devin Mesoraco’s MRI exam on Friday revealed a neck sprain that could preclude him from playing for the next few days, but the Mets declined to place him on the disabled list because of a potential logistical issue: Kevin Plawecki’s wife, Tayler, is due to give birth to the couple’s first child, a boy, on Monday.
Tomas Nido was recalled from Double-A Binghamton to give the Mets an additional catcher, as Plawecki — who started behind the plate in the Mets’ 3-0 with over the Nationals on against the Nationals Friday night — prepared to leave the team at a moment’s notice if necessary.
Mesoraco could play in an emergency situation, if needed, according to manager Mickey Callaway. Mesoraco left Thursday’s game with neck stiffness after he was charged with a passed ball that allowed the Giants to score an unearned run against Jacob deGrom.
Nido appeared in 21 games for the Mets earlier this season with Plawecki on the disabled list and struggled miserably at the plate, with a .390 OPS.
Dominic Smith and Jack Reinheimer were optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to clear roster space for Nido and Jay Bruce. Both players will likely return after rosters begin expanding on Sept. 1.
David Wright’s minor league rehab assignment continued for Single-A St. Lucie against Ft. Myers. He played nine innings and went 1-for-4 at the plate. Wright is 4-for-28 (.143) in nine minor league games.
Michael Conforto was absent from the starting lineup against Nationals lefty Gio Gonzalez. He went 0-for-1 on Friday, lining out to left in the seventh inning while pinch-hitting for Jason Vargas. A day earlier, Conforto struck out three times against Giants ace lefty Madison Bumgarner.
The Mets hosted the team from Catalunya, Spain, that played in Williamsport, Pa., during the Little League World Series. Spain had not been represented in the event in 32 years. … On Sunday, the Mets will play host to the Staten Island team that reached the semifinals of the U.S. bracket of the Little League World Series. The Little Leaguers will take batting practice and be acknowledged in a pregame ceremony.