PHILADELPHIA — Omir Santos and Ramon Castro are getting a reprieve this weekend when it comes to worrying about their roster spots now that regular catcher Brian Schneider has been slowed further by a sore right calf.
Schneider was eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Sunday for the final game of the series with the Phillies. The Mets, however, now are saying his return has been pushed back indefinitely after the calf issue developed this week.
Schneider went on the DL on April 17 with a strained muscle in his back.
The Mets’ catcher situation is under the microscope because manager Jerry Manuel opted to pinch-hit Santos for Castro in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s 4-3 loss to the Marlins. Santos was coming in cold from the bullpen and Castro already had two hits and an RBI on the day.
Santos popped out weakly to end the game, but he remains a favorite of Manuel for both his bat and defense. Manuel also obviously is not a Castro fan, but the Mets would have to swallow the rest of Castro’s $2.5 million contract to get rid of him.
In other words, Castro probably will stay once Schneider returns. That would mean a trip back to the minors for Santos because Manuel said this week the Mets are highly unlikely to keep three catchers.
“We haven’t played well enough not to take the position player or the extra pitcher [and keep a third catcher],” Manuel said.
*
Although having yesterday off obviously helped, the Mets still don’t know if they will have first baseman Carlos Delgado (sore hip) or second baseman Luis Castillo (back spasms) available for tonight’s game.
The Mets said they would have a better read on their status today. If they can’t go, Fernando Tatis (first) and Alex Cora (second) likely would continue to start in their place.
*
Right-hander Tim Redding (right rotator cuff) is scheduled to throw another extended game in Port St. Lucie sometime this weekend, but is not considered close to returning to the big leagues, the Mets confirmed.