Help On The Way: Right-Hander Ramirez, Catcher Thole Expected To Join Mets On Friday
NEW YORK (WFAN) - Help appears to be on the way in Flushing.
Right-handed pitcher Elvin Ramirez and catcher Josh Thole are expected to join the Mets on Friday in time for their series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field, the club has confirmed.
No corresponding moves have been announced by general manager Sandy Alderson at this time.
Thole, the club's starting catcher this season until he suffered a concussion in a plate collision on May 7th, went 1-for-4 and caught a full game with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Thursday. When Thole returns, Mike Nickeas is a logical candidate to be optioned to the Minor Leagues, as it's unlikely that New York will carry three catchers.
Ramirez, not a household name to Mets fan by any means, is anticipated to help a bullpen that has struggled mightily all season. Since being promoted from Double-A Binghamton this season, the 24-year-old has not allowed a run in 14 2/3 innings with Buffalo. In 11 International League appearances, the six-foot-three, 210-pounder is 3-0 with 19 strikeouts to just one walk. He's only allowed five hits over that span.
Prior to going on the disabled list, Thole was having a solid offensive campaign, batting .284 with a homer and seven RBIs in 81 at-bats.
Mets fans, are you excited to see what Elvin Ramirez can do in the big leagues after dominating Triple-A? Sound off with your thoughts and comments in the section below...
