Catcher Ramos back in camp, may be ready for opener
Wilson Ramos returned to camp Tuesday, indicating the Mets will have their starting catcher for Friday’s opener against the Braves.
Ramos, who had missed the previous three days of workouts for what was termed a personal matter, did not participate in the team’s intrasquad scrimmage upon returning to Citi Field, but took batting practice with teammates.
Manager Luis Rojas offered an ambiguous response to a question about Ramos’ availability, saying the Mets would have to “reassess” the catcher Wednesday, but an industry source indicated Ramos is on track for the opener.
Rene Rivera and Tomas Nido were behind the plate in the scrimmage. Both have an opportunity to crack the 30-man roster to begin the season as the Mets consider the possibility of carrying three catchers. Rivera was added to the 40-man roster on Sunday, and Nido is without minor league options.
➤ Jake Marisnick played in the intrasquad scrimmage after sitting out the past few days with left hamstring tightness. “Good day for him,” Rojas said.
➤ Rojas was asked about the uncertainty the team is facing at the back end of the bullpen, with Brad Brach and Jared Hughes on the injured list (neither reliever reported to camp), and Robert Gsellman battling triceps soreness. Gsellman played catch Tuesday, but it’s unclear if he will be ready to start the season. Drew Smith, Erasmo Ramirez, Tyler Bashlor and Chasen Shreve are among the relievers who could benefit from the vacancies.
“I can go down the list of guys that looked good, adding stuff to the repertoire, like Bashlor’s curveball has looked really good to help his fastball,” Rojas said.
“Drew Smith has looked really good, adding a cutter to his repertoire. Chasen Shreve with the split and things he can do and be a reverse split guy for the threebatter rule that you have and guys that can do different things, being a versatile guy, like Erasmo Ramirez, guys like that. I could go down the list further and further. We have weapons there.”
Ramirez pitched 2 ¹/3 scoreless innings in the scrimmage to bolster his case.