Justin Turner to DL, Scott Atchison activated, Wheeler loophole:

Prior to today’s game, the Mets placed Justin Turner on the disabled list with an intercostal strain and activated reliever Scott Atchison from the disabled list.  Atchison, 37, had been on the disabled list with numbness in his fingers that stemmed from an existing elbow injury.  While Atchison is back, his health is a touch and go situation.

Jun 12, 2013; Gardena, CA, USA; Gardena Serra first baseman Dominic Smith poses at portrait session at Serra High. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

For tonight’s game, Zack Wheeler will be the 26th man (as is allowed during doubleheaders).  After the game, Wheeler will technically be sent down to AAA Las Vegas.  However, the move is simply a paper one.  Wheeler won’t be reporting to Vegas.  More likely, he’ll be either near home or with one of the other Mets affiliates (Brooklyn perhaps) until his next start on Tuesday.  The reason the Mets are doing this, is to delay a roster move until next Tuesday and to further ensure that Wheeler doesn’t become Super Two eligible.

Mets sign first round pick Dominic Smith:

Per various reports, the Mets have signed first round pick (11th overall) Dominic Smith for roughly $2.6 million.

The lefty swinging, sweet fielding Smith, 18, will likely begin his professional career with the GCL Mets.

Jacob deGrom promoted to AAA:

With Zack Wheeler and Carlos Torres joining the big club and Collin McHugh recently DFA’d, AA starting pitcher Jacob deGrom has been promoted to AAA to fill one of the slots in the Las Vegas starting rotation.

deGrom, who turns 25 tomorrow, is being promoted out of necessity.  For AA Binghamton, he allowed 69 hits in 60 innings pitched while walking 20 and striking out 44.  He compiled a 4.40 ERA to go along with a WHIP of 1.48.

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Today’s topic: Top Ten Other Justin Turner Positions

May 26, 2013; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets second baseman Justin Turner (2) heads to first base on a single during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mets won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Before last night’s Mets-Nationals finale in Washington was washed out, Justin Turner was scheduled to lead off the game listed as New York’s left fielder. Terry Collins had worked out Le Grande Orange Jr. in the outfield over the offseason, and assuming he gets another chance this weekend against Miami, it will be Turner’s fifth different starting position of the season, as he has already appeared at every spot in the infield. Reactions on Facebook were mixed to this lineup, but as a longtime supporter of Mr. Turner, I was glad to see him get the chance and hope he does a great job in whatever position he is assigned to.

It’s not entirely unheard of for Mets to be this versatile – during his rookie season in 1986, Kevin Mitchell started at six different positions (left field, right field, shortstop, third base, center field, first base). Here now, we have ten more endeavors Justin Turner has undertaken for the Mets in his third season with the ball club. I’ll bet Mr. Mitchell never did any of these assorted odd jobs on the World Champions of that year.

Top Ten Other Justin Turner Positions

10. Ombudsman to the ombudsman

9. Home Run Apple mechanic

8. Dessert dog toppings tester

7. Wilpon family stockbroker

6. PR manager for Carly Rae Jepson

5. Undersecretary of Agriculture, Turf Testing

4. Official in charge of “oohs and ahhs” about Yasiel Puig (seriously, where did that guy come from?)

3. Civil War substitute

2. Sterling Equities VP of Whipped Cream

1. Head writer, Rising Apple Top Ten (wait, what?)

What other positions could you envision JT manning in the coming months? The comments section is yours.

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