Just Mets

The Mets made their final roster cuts before Saturday’s game against the Rangers, optioning Eric Campbell and re-assigning infielders Daniel Muno and Matt Reynolds, RHP Zack Thornton and catcher Johnny Monell to Triple-A Las Vegas.

As such, Daniel Murphy will be active and start on Opening Day in Washington.

By optioning Campbell, the Mets are expected to purchase the contract of RHP Buddy Carlyle as the eighth reliever in the bullpen.

Moon’s demotions is not because he doesn’t deserve to be here. With Murphy being available and Ruben Tejada on the roster, there’s just no room for Muno as a utility infielder right now. If Tejada struggles or gets hurt at any point, it’s logical to conclude Muno would be the first man up to replace him.

Reynolds earned a job with the club, but there’s no jobs to be had for him at the moment. And, the Mets don’t want Reynolds with the club on the bench – he needs to play everyday, keep refining his skills defensively, and be ready for the call if Murphy or Flores have long-term injuries, or Flores falters altogether. He turned heads in camp this spring and impressed most everyone from the day he walked in the door, emerging as a quality piece in the organization in a pretty short period of time.

As for Campbell, he deserves a spot on the bench. He is arguably one of the most versatile players at their disposal, and not having him strains the team’s flexibility, especially on the right side off the bench. But, they’ve clearly decided to go with an eight-man bullpen for now, which means someone’s gotta get squeezed out.

Unfortunately, Campbell is that guy. I doubt it’s for long though (which begs the question why they would spend an option on him to begin with).

In addition, RHP Vic Black will be placed on 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. Both Josh Edgin and Zack Wheeler will be placed on the 60-day disabled list, which allows room for Carlyle on the 40-man roster.