Rhame optioned to clear roster spot for deGrom

NEW YORK -- Jacob Rhame's eventful week in the big leagues concluded Friday afternoon, when the Mets optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse to clear roster space for Jacob deGrom.

Rhame, whom Major League Baseball served a two-game suspension for throwing near the head of Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins on Tuesday, plans to appeal that suspension. If any part of it is upheld, he will serve the ban when he is next recalled to the big leagues.

“It wasn’t intentional,” Mets manager Mickey Callaway said of the pitch that drew Hoskins’ ire. “But that was [MLB's] decision.”

Rhame departed Citi Field on Friday without speaking to reporters.

In a separate roster move, the Mets recalled pitcher Corey Oswalt from Triple-A Syracuse, and optioned infielder Luis Guillorme. Oswalt, a starter, offers the Mets pitching insurance should weather interfere with their weekend plans. He also puts their roster back into balance, with five bench players and seven relievers.

All in the family

The Mets’ commitment to reconnecting to their alumni continued on Friday, when Jon Matlack and Neil Allen returned to Citi Field. Earlier this season, the Mets brought in Turk Wendell and Rick Reed for a weekend. Next month, they will do the same for Dwight Gooden and Roger McDowell.

The National League Rookie of the Year in 1972, Matlack made three All-Star teams pitching behind Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman in the Mets’ rotation. He played the first seven years of his career in New York, then ended his career with six more in Texas.

Allen is best known for being half of the Mets’ trade package to acquire Keith Hernandez in 1983. He recalled learning the news in Frank Howard’s office at Shea Stadium, listening to the Mets manager say he felt it was a deal that would benefit both sides.

“I bet you do,” Allen replied, laughing.

Allen went on to spend parts of three seasons in St. Louis, before bouncing to the Yankees, White Sox and Indians later in the 1980s.