Examining potential September additions for Mets
PHILADELPHIA -- Though the Mets are wary of overcrowding a first-place clubhouse with new faces in September, their list of callups will nonetheless be large -- and composed almost entirely of players who have already spent significant time with the big club. Here are the leading candidates:
Steven Matz, LHP: The first four names on this list are all currently on the Major League disabled list. Matz, the club's No. 1 prospect, will make one more rehab start at Double-A Binghamton on Monday before joining the Mets when rosters expand Tuesday. At that time, the team will probably move to a six-man rotation, as the Mets begin the process of determining whether Matz can best help them out of the bullpen or the rotation in October.
Video: NYM@PHI: Matz dominates in third rehab start
Lucas Duda, 1B: Again, not a callup in the traditional sense, Duda should come off the disabled list as soon as he is eligible on Sept. 6. He'll slide back into the starting first baseman's role at that time.
Video: Mets rising in NL East thanks to Duda's power surge
Kirk Nieuwenhuis, OF: Once again, Nieuwenhuis is raking at Triple-A Las Vegas, recently snapping an eight-game hitting streak on his rehab stint there. He's fully recovered from an early August neck injury and ready to come off the bench for the Mets.
Erik Goeddel, RHP: Something of a forgotten man since elbow troubles derailed his season in June, Goeddel hasn't been scored on in four rehab outings for Double-A Binghamton. Look for him to give the Mets another right-handed option in the middle innings of September games.
Dario Alvarez, LHP: Should Eric O'Flaherty continue to struggle, Alvarez has a chance to sneak onto the playoff roster as a lefty specialist. For now, he'll try his hand in that role during the playoff race, though Alvarez won't be eligible for a promotion until Sept. 3.
Eric Young Jr., OF: Among the most intriguing names on this list is Young, whom the Mets acquired from the Braves in a trade last week. Young gives the Mets an element they currently lack -- sheer, blazing speed -- and could fight his way onto the playoff bench if he proves useful in September.
Kevin Plawecki, C: Calling up a third catcher in September is automatic for almost every team. The Mets are no exception, and they will use Plawecki regularly to rest Travis d'Arnaud down the stretch.
Video: NYM@WSH: Plawecki knocks in Nieuwenhuis on single
Eric Campbell, IF: The Mets praised Campbell's versatility earlier this year, frequently pointing to his hard-hit rates as evidence of his offensive potential as well. Though Campbell's presence isn't as critical now with infielders Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson in the fold, he should nonetheless have a role with the Mets in September.