Cesar Puello Reinstated, Placed Back on 40-Man Roster

Per the Mets, outfielder Cesar Puello, who was suspended for 50 games in early August due to his use of performance enhancing drugs, has been reinstated by the Mets.
Feb 26, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; New York Mets right fielder Cesar Puello (58) runs before a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Puello, 22, was placed on AA Binghamton’s roster, and was added back onto the 40-man roster. In order to make room for Puello on the 40-man roster, right handed pitcher Matt Harvey (who is currently rehabbing a partially torn UCL in his right elbow), was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
It was reported this February that Puello had been linked to PED’s and Biogenesis, so his suspension is August was expected.
Before being suspended, Puello was having a breakout season for Binghamton. In 377 plate appearances over 91 games, Puello hit .326 with a .403 OBP and .547 slugging percentage. He hit 16 home runs, swiped 25 bases, scored 63 runs, and drove in 73.
Thoughts:
Puello struggled in High-A in 2012, but had a monster year in AA in 2013. It’s fair to wonder if his production was due in part to his use of PED’s, but the assumption is that he was smart enough to ditch whatever he was using before this season began.
Many fans were clamoring for Puello to be promoted to AAA before his suspension, but the organization chose to let him continue to rake in AA Binghamton instead.
Minor League guru John Sickels believes Puello has the potential to be an All-Star at the big league level, but notes that his floor is that of a AAA lifer or journeyman type.
I’d expect Puello, who will turn 23 next April, to start 2014 with AAA Las Vegas. If his produces in Vegas like he produced in Binghamton, he’ll probably be on the Mets’ radar sooner rather than later as far as being a potential big league callup is concerned.
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