Vic Black, take 3.
Black was activated from the major league disabled list on June 7 after completing his rehab assignment for weakness in his shoulder caused by a herniated disc in his neck.
However, the club optioned Black to Triple-A Las Vegas over concerns with his velocity and command.
However, a day after being optioned, Black strained his right groin muscle and had been sidelined until Tuesday, when he returned and struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief.
If the Mets were to recall Black before June 27, the player option the Mets spent on him for 2015 would be rescinded. Presumably, the Mets were hoping Black would spend the 20 days in the minor leagues continuing to build arm strength and velocity, at which point they’d consider recalling him.
However, having spent the last 15 days on the sidelines might result in Black staying down beyond the 20 days and the option – his last – being officially spent.
The Mets have about 48 hours to decide, but if the Mets want to bring him up, it seems logical he’d replace Hansel Robles in the bullpen.
Robles has struggled and he has yet to harness consistent command of his slider. It’s effectively made him a one-pitch pitcher, and while he throws in the mid-to-upper-90s with his fastball, it’s not enough to get hitters out at this level.
Then again, the Mets are carrying three left-handed relievers, none of which are particularly proficient at getting left-handed hitters out, so Black could replace one of them.
Just Mets 