Just Mets

While the Mets have given a tentative May 1st return date, Bobby Parnell is expected to be activated from the disabled list in mid-April, according to Adam Rubin.

Working his way back from Tommy John surgery, Parnell’s velocity is still a work in progress, but this is among the thing he continues to work on as part of his rehabilitation process. Still, Parnell seems to be ahead of schedule, as he’ll throw in another minor league game on Sunday, and that could impact the way the bullpen looks to begin the season.

With the season-ending injuries to Josh Edgin and Zack Wheeler, the Mets 40-man roster has two open spots, and two guys that could really hang in the balance here are Zack Thornton and Buddy Carlyle.

Zack Thornton, one of the two pieces acquired in last year’s Ike Davis trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is an option, but not likely. Thornton, 26, spent 2014 in Triple-A Las Vegas, where he struggled a bit, pitching to a 4.22 ERA over 59.2 innings in 50 relief appearances. Zach has pitched better this spring, however, as he has a 2.16 ERA over eight appearances thus far.

Thornton will have player options when added to the 40-man roster. So, while he could be added to the 40-man and sent back down without the risk of losing him to waivers, the Mets might not choose to waste an option on him for two and a half weeks of work. Had Parnell been expected to miss a more significant amount of time, I believe Thornton may have had a better shot. This encouraging news on Parnell, however, could eliminate Thornton’s chances to make the Opening Day roster.

To me, Carlyle is the favorite to make this team out of camp. By all accounts he’s earned a spot, pitching well in spring and proving himself with the big league team last season.

Carlyle has an out at the end of camp, meaning that he can walk if he doesn’t make the roster. This makes him the likeliest option to make the team out of camp, as the Mets may not want to lose him outright. When Parnell is in fact ready, the Mets will run the risk of losing Carlyle to waivers if they choose to designate him for assignment, but there is the chance that he clears waivers, and goes to Triple-A.

Carlyle had an under-the-radar great year in 2014, pitching to a 1.45 ERA in 27 appearances. The 37-year-old was re-signed to a minor-league deal in the offseason and has continued to fare well this spring, sporting a 2.35 ERA in seven games.