The Mets released infielder T.J. Rivera, per Newsday’s Tim Healey (via Twitter). Rivera was attempting to work his way back from Tommy John surgery in September of 2017, but was struggling to get back to full strength. He played parts of two seasons with the Mets after making his debut in 2016.
Rivera, 30, hasn’t played in the big leagues since July of 2017 when he was placed on the injured list with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. He came back in July of last season for a 6 game rehab stint, collecting three singles and a double in twenty-two at-bats in the minor leagues, but he did not see any game action after that. His release comes after a setback in his elbow recovery, through GM Brodie Van Wagenen also points to the infield depth both at the major and minor league levels as cause for his release, per the New York Post’s Mike Puma (via Twitter).
Across his two seasons with the Mets, Rivera hit .304/.335/.445 in 344 plate appearances. He split his time fairly evenly between second, third and first base, though he also handled a few innings in left. His release doesn’t come as a total surprise, as Van Wagenen is correct in that the Mets are fairly flush with this type of player. Still, with Jed Lowrie and Todd Frazier both getting banged up this spring, and there being at least a modicum of uncertainty around J.D. Davis’ ability to produce consistently at third, it’s a shame to see Rivera unable to get healthy enough to compete for at-bats. As is, Adeiny Hechavarria and Jeff McNeil are both capable of backing up multiple infield positions, while Dilson Herrera, Gavin Cecchini, Arismendy Alcantara, Luis Guillorme and a few others are all competing to crack the Opening Day roster.
wow liked him back in 2016/17
I’m guessing he’s done, don’t hear much about 2nd baseman blowing out their arm though?
Suprising move to an extent. Who could pick him up (if any)?
He was a good utility guy hit over .300 if I’m not mistaken too
Mistake to release a good bat.
I’m imagining his bat doesn’t have much left anymore if they’re releasing him. Mets have injuries to infielders now, there’s got to be a good reason to let this guy go. All that has been said about him is that his rehab has not gone nearly as well as everyone had expected.
Maybe just done for tj to get playing time
You mean Mets know a good bat when they see 1. I don’t think so. Last time he was on field he hit over 300. If he gets 100% healthy & is picked up elsewhere he could be another Marco Scudero. Mets talent advisors need to go back to school.
Good bat, good but not great fielder who can play three positions. Someone will take him
He always put the ball in play. I liked him when he was healthy. Hard worker
I wonder what advantage there was to the Mets to release him now. True it may have been inevitable, but it’s not like he freed up a spot in the 40 man roster.
I suppose it could have been to do him a favor by giving him more time to latch on with someone else, but if he can’t play at the moment how many teams are looking to pick him up.
Probably just letting him latch on with another team like you said.
I thought he was on the 40-man. I was surprised it was a release and not a DFA, but it makes sense if they’re stocked at the minor league level too.
He hit in every level of ball that he was in and should have moved up through the chain a lot quicker than he did. It seems like the Mets treated him unfairly all along the way and owe him.
That’s true. Not sure why they held him back. Mets seem to have something against singles hitters. Look what they thought about Murphy and Turner.
Murphy couldn’t field and turner was blocked by wright
Murphy left and damn near won an MVP. And Turner played multiple positions.
The pride of Throggs Neck. Get well T.J. ! I’ll be rooting for you wherever you land!
yeah! I lived in TN for 7 years and new TJ’s parents.
he’s a worthwhile depth addition for any team. wouldn’t be surprised if he takes a turn overseas either.
Hang in there kid. There’s still gas in the tank.
I thought that triple slash was a typo at first. Never knew Rivera hit so well at the MLB level. Hope he makes a comeback.
Been a really tough recovery for TJ. Missed all of last season and yet to take the field in 2019 Spring training. Limited roster space on the 40 person makes for tough calls like this. Hopefully he’ll get picked up on a minor league deal.
What a shame. TJ’s a really good hitter and just couldn’t get healthy enough in time to prove himself to new GM and a manager who never saw him play live.
He’ll definitely get signed by another team and if healthy, could become impact hitter. Mets may come to regret this move. Rivera hit quite well in the minors and showed similar skill in the majors.
Orioles will sign him
Bummer. Always could hit. Injuries took their toll last year. Probably gets a shot with another team. Career .300+ hitter in the minors don’t grow on trees.
Hope TJ shows them they made another mistake once he’s 100% healthy. Like Turner, Murphy, Scudero, Jeff Kent. All couldn’t hit enough for the Mets but became Allstars. Y is d’Arnaud still on the team! Wish the kid from the Bronx makes it elsewhere from a fellow parkchester little leaguer
He hit but he can’t throw anymore
It was time to cut bait
Another 1st rounder who didn’t achieve
He wasn’t a 1st rounder. He wasn’t even drafted in any round. He didn’t under achieve. He over achieved.,
Mets are continuing to pay his rehab training. This is a roster move to regain a spot on the 40 man roster. Mets are finally learning how to play the system. If Rivera can make it back first shot will be with the Mets