The Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League have signed infielder T.J. Rivera, the team announced.
This will be the second stint with the Ducks for Rivera, who spent 23 games with the club in 2019 and batted .270/.316/.427 with four home runs in 98 plate appearances. Of course, Rivera’s better known for what was a successful but short-lived major league tenure with the Mets. The former undrafted free agent appeared in 106 games with the Mets from 2016-17 and slashed an above-average .304/.335/.445 over 231 plate appearances, owing in part to an ability to avoid strikeouts at a solid clip.
Unfortunately, injury issues knocked Rivera’s career off course four years ago. Rivera underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017 and then suffered an elbow sprain the next season as he was trying to work his way back to New York. The 32-year-old has had runs with the Nationals and Phillies since the Mets released him in 2019, though he was unable to return to the majors with either Washington or Philadelphia.
It would be cool to see him make it back into a MLB roster. Always appreciated TJs play with the Mets, best of luck.
I wish him the best of luck and hope ssome team gives him a chance. He’s a really good guy and deserves a break.
Better career batting average than Pujols!
Hit over .300 in the minors, hit over .300 in the majors. No team wants him?
Career changing injury will do that.
He’s not exactly young, doesn’t field particularly well, only really plays 2B, doesn’t get on base at that high a rate… he’s a great story but it’s not really a mystery as to why teams aren’t lining up to sign him.
Dude was clutch with the Mets, his defense must be unplayable now
he hasnt hit since the injury
Let me just say this guy was the man for the Mets. I can think of someone who can use a spark plug right about now and this guy has the bat to do it. Where’s Brodie Van Wagenen when you need him?
All heart; a hustler and an overachiever. The kind of player you want to root for.
undrafted players succeeding is rare in this era. always cool to see.
I didn’t realize Disney was into indie baseball…
Good Luck TJ Rivera and welcome to the LI Ducks. Say hello to Wally Backman LOL!