In the absence of Ruben Tejada (paternity), Dillon Gee (bereavement), and soon Jeurys Familia (paternity), the Mets are going to continue with three catchers on the roster, Terry Collins said after Saturday’s game.
Carrying three catchers most certainly limits Kevin Plawecki’s playing time, who Terry Collins said on Thursday was healthy and available off the bench if needed. It’s a concern because he needs to be playing and needs to be playing everyday if he’s healthy, and that’s not going to happen here with Travis d’Arnaud back and playing everyday.
If that means he needs to go back to Las Vegas, that may be the best reality for him, as unfortunate as that maybe. It will probably happen soon, as both Tejada and Familia will likely be back from paternity leave by early next week.
Plawecki struggled at times during his first stint in the big leagues, but they love him and believe he is one of the best catching prospects in the game. While he didn’t put up great numbers, the consensus among people with the team is he did a fantastic job all things considered. His defense could use a little work, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t belong here. It’s worth noting it took d’Arnaud nearly a full year to come into his own. The point is, it’s a long process for prospects most of the time. Most of them don’t make instant impacts like Matt Harvey, Kris Bryant, or Mike Trout.
The Mets are reportedly uninterested in dealing Plawecki in a trade this summer, as they feel he is a valuable insurance piece in the event d’Arnaud gets hurt again.
Eventually, something may have to give. If Plawecki is ready, it’s going to be hard to keep him buried in the minor leagues or on a big league bench for too much longer. And, if d’Arnaud is their guy, it becomes further evident the Mets may have to eventually trade Plawecki, perhaps sooner rather than later.
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