Mets release long-tenured Rivera 

FORT MYERS, Fla. – T.J. Rivera's spring ended before it ever really got started.

The Mets released the infielder Saturday, ending Rivera’s eight-year tenure with the organization.

“With the depth we created in the infield, we have tough decisions to make, not only on our Major League roster but also on our Triple-A roster,” Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen wrote in a text message. “With just a couple weeks left to go in camp, T.J. remained behind several players on the depth chart at his positions.”

Rivera had yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game this spring, as he continued to have issues with his surgically repaired right elbow. Rivera, 30, underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2017 and missed the entire '18 season.

“This kid is one of the most quality kids you could ever ask for,” Mets manager Mickey Callaway said. “He’s diligent about his work, and to see him not be able to overcome that to this point, to give himself a chance for us to look at him, it’s tough for the kid.”

Undrafted out of Troy University, Rivera joined the Mets organization in 2011. He worked his way through the Minor League system over the next six seasons before making his Major League debut on Aug. 10, 2016. In parts of two seasons with the Mets ('16-'17), Rivera hit .304/335/.445 with eight home runs and 43 RBIs in 106 games.

"I’m a realistic guy, I believe in myself still and I know I have a lot of baseball left in me,” Rivera told the Bergen Record. “I’m just ready to get going. The same itch I had to get on the field with the Mets, I have to get on with another team. Hopefully I’ll have that opportunity.”

The Mets have a number of infield options on the roster, including J.D. Davis, Adeiny Hechavarria and Jeff McNeil.