New York Mets Designate Former All-Star for Assignment

The New York Mets have designated a former All-Star catcher for assignment in order to make room for Tomas Nido.

Another one bites the dust.

On Thursday, the Mets designated catcher Gary Sanchez for assignment in order to make room for Tomas Nido.

Sanchez appeared in just three games for the Mets, going 1-for-6 with an RBI and no extra-base hits. After being released by the San Francisco Giants earlier in the month, the Mets signed Sanchez to a minor league deal. The Mets promoted Sanchez on May 19 before he exercised his opt-out clause. 

The 30-year-old will now either accept a minor league assignment or look for another home, where he could potentially receive a big-league opportunity. 

As for Nido, he landed on the injured list with dry eye syndrome, which he believes was a result of his previous LASIK eye surgery. Nido underwent a procedure that helps his eyes remain lubricated. In 19 games, Nido slashed .118/.148/.118 with no home runs or extra-base hits.

Instead of optioning top prospect Francisco Álvarez to the minor leagues, the Mets opted to get rid of Sanchez. And rightfully so. Álvarez is slashing .261/.320/.511 with a .831 OPS, six home runs and 13 RBI. He is also among the league leaders in framing statistics. 

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