LOS ANGELES — Rusney Castillo never was considered seriously by the Mets, but the team has at least two other Cuban defectors on its radar.
As The Post reported Friday before the Mets’ 6-2 loss to the Dodgers, the Mets plan to work out Roberto Carlos, a 28-year-old shortstop. But according to a source, the workout at the team’s facility in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday will also include Pavel Quesada, a 25-year-old third baseman.
Quesada, who has received interest from the Orioles and Rangers, among others, is a solid power threat according to a source who has seen him play, and could be a consideration for first base and outfield if he lands with the Mets.
Carlos, a switch hitter, departed the U.S. last year after a stint playing independent baseball and settled in the Dominican Republic, hoping to gain more exposure.
A source said Carlos previously “slipped through the baseball cracks” because he didn’t have representation after defecting from Cuba in 2012.
Quesada is living in the Dominican Republic on visa and applying for residency.
Rafael Montero, who allowed a run in the eighth, was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to clear space for Saturday’s starter, Jacob deGrom.
Bartolo Colon was removed from the bereavement list — he is scheduled to pitch Sunday — and Gonzalez Germen was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas. Colon is expected to return to the Dominican Republic for his mother’s funeral after his Sunday start.
Jenrry Mejia, who was bothered by back stiffness on Wednesday and requested not to pitch, was available for duty on Friday, but did not pitch. The right-hander had last appeared in a game on Monday.
Manuel Hilario, a first baseman for the Gulf Coast League Mets, was airlifted to a hospital after a collision sliding into second base. The Mets said Hilario took a knee to the head and immediately began experiencing seizures and was unresponsive.
According to the club he was administered a CT Scan after his airlift to the hospital and appears normal. He was described as “talkative” and “in good spirits” and could be discharged Saturday.