Taijeron finally gets call, ‘pumped’ to get to New York

Only two of the nine players in the 51s’ opening day lineup remain with the team.

At this point, six are currently with the New York Mets and one — Adam Wilk — is no longer with the organization. The latest to be called up, Travis Taijeron, made his debut in the majors Saturday night.

Taijeron, who has been a mainstay in the 51s’ lineup since 2015, was called up after the Mets saw two outfielders — Michael Conforto and Yoenis Cespedes — go down with injuries this week.

“It’s been a long journey,” Taijeron told Newsday. “I’m pumped to be finally up here.”

Taijeron was hitting .272 with 25 home runs, 32 doubles, 78 RBIS and 122 hits in 125 games with the 51s this season.

“Usually you make jokes with guys and you tell them something that’s not really going on,” manager Pedro Lopez said. “But with him I told him, ‘I can’t lie to you, I’ve just got to be honest,’ and I told him, ‘You’re going to have the chance you’ve been waiting for for a long time.’

“He’s a guy that deserves it. He’s put in the work, he’s put in the time, and he has produced. The numbers are there. The numbers don’t lie.

I’m really glad that he’s getting the opportunity, his first big-league chance, and hopefully he can make the best out of it.”

Gsellman to rejoin 51s

Starter Robert Gsellman was sent down by the Mets on Saturday. He is expected to start for Las Vegas on Thursday in Sacramento.

Gsellman made nine starts for the 51s last season before going 4-2 with a 2.42 ERA in eight games — seven starts — with the Mets. He hasn’t been able to duplicate that same success with the Mets this year, going 5-6 with a 5.60 ERA before being sent down.

Cody Decker to DL

First baseman Cody Decker was placed on the disabled list Saturday retroactive to Aug. 24.

He hadn’t played since Aug. 20 against Salt Lake.

“It started off with a strained back, but I think it was more an oblique than anything else,” Lopez said.

Upcoming at Cashman Field

The 51s will hit the road for four games against Sacramento before returning to host four games against Tacoma to conclude the season.

They will host fireworks night on Friday and give away a 35th anniversary jersey on Saturday night to the first 2,500 fans.

Saturday will also be fan appreciation night, followed by Smith’s Value Menu Monday for a 12:05 p.m. game to end the season.

Contact Betsy Helfand at bhelfand@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Betsyhelfand on Twitter.