Dillon Gee pitched well enough on Saturday to stay in the majors, but not in the Mets rotation.
The right-hander will shift to the bullpen, while D.J. Carrasco, who gave up two laser-like doubles yesterday, was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for Chris Young, who’s coming off the DL.
Carrasco will start for Buffalo, according to Mets GM Sandy Alderson.
“We want him to pitch innings and get back to where we think he can be,” Alderson said.
They also want to keep Gee around, even if it’s not in the rotation, since Young will be activated in time for tomorrow’s start in Washington.
“Right now, we want the most effective group of pitchers we can have,” Alderson said. “And if Dillon does have to move into a different role, we want to see how he performs.”
Alderson isn’t sure how long this set-up might last.
“What we have now in the bullpen as currently configured may last only seven to 10 days,” he said.
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Alderson said he doesn’t expect Ronny Paulino to be activated by tomorrow. The catcher suffered an oblique injury on Friday playing with Triple-A Buffalo, was re-evaluated yesterday and felt better.
“We will not [activate] him until he’s seen under game conditions, and, given his recent injury, his return is at least day to day,” Alderson said.
“We do not expect him to be ready for [tomorrow]. It’s a possibility, but I’d say that’s in jeopardy.”
Manager Terry Collins said the team has discussed keeping three catchers when Paulino returns, not just for Paulino’s bat off the bench, but for flexibility with pinch-running.
Bobby Parnell (finger) and Angel Pagan (left oblique), who are both on the 15-day DL, are expected to head to Port St. Lucie today.
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Scott Hairston is battling an upper back injury he suffered when he crashed into the left-field wall on Tuesday.
“It’s calmed down, but it was kind of like whiplash,” Hairston said. “I’m available if they need me.”
Collins said he wants to get Willie Harris some time in center on the road.
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Collins still doesn’t want to use reliever Jason Isringhausen more than two straight days.
“Three or four days in a row, I think that’s asking for trouble,” he said.