Strangers join starter shuffle

The 51s have had to patch together a rotation recently after one starter was released and one was called up.

After giving up 16 runs in three innings across two starts, A.J. Griffin was released, opening up a spot in the rotation. A couple of days later, Corey Oswalt missed his start because he was sick, forcing the 51s into a bullpen game.

Oswalt was supposed to start Sunday but was called up to the Mets.

Instead, Marcos Molina, the Mets’ No. 8 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was called up from Double A Binghamton and made his first Triple-a start, throwing 4 2/3 innings and giving up four runs.

“I’m assuming he’s going to be here,” manager Tony Defrancesco said of Molina staying in Las Vegas. “I don’t know. It depends on some of the moves that are made above us.”

Helping matters is the fact that Mets starter Jason Vargas was slated to make a rehab start Monday for the 51s. Starter Chris Flexen will piggyback off him to throw on his normal day. “We’ll reload after the day off,” Defrancesco said.

Likely, when the Mets activate Vargas, Oswalt will be sent down to rejoin the Las Vegas rotation.

The Mets also signed starters Vance Worley and Scott Copeland to minor league deals. Both could be options at some point for Las Vegas, though first they are reporting to Port St. Lucie, Florida, for extended spring training.

Monell OK after concussion tests

Catcher Johnny Monell was removed early from Friday’s game hasn’t played since, but he should be good to go soon.

“He passed. He’s OK,” Defrancesco said about Monell’s concussion tests. “He’s going to take another day off, and hopefully he’ll catch on Monday.”

Jamie Callahan on DL

Pitcher Jamie Callahan was placed on the seven-day disabled list Sunday.

“I think he had some tendinitis in his shoulder, so he’s going to take some time,” Defrancesco said.

Callahan has a 9.72 ERA in seven games spanning 8 1/3 innings.

Upcoming at the ballpark

The 51s will finish their seven-game homestand with the series finale against El Pasoonmonday.

It will be Smith’s Value Menu Monday, with ballpark food at discounted prices.

After an off day Tuesday, the 51s hit the road for a five-game series in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They return April 30.

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