Mets demote Campbell to make room for Monell

The Mets have sent infielder Eric Campbell to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room for C Johnny Monell, who was activated before Tuesday night’s game.

In 62 plate appearances spanning 16 games for the Mets – with most of them coming as the starting third baseman – Campbell was hitting .200/.323/.320.

Monell, 29, was hitting .397/.455/.638 for Las Vegas, with four home runs, two doubles, and 15 RBI in 66 plate appearances spanning 17 games.

In his only other taste of big league action, Monell appeared in eight games for San Francisco in 2013.

The Mets signed Monell to a minor league deal during the offseason, and he hit well during Spring Training. However, the backup catcher job went to the incumbent, Anthony Recker.

Monell is not on the 40-man roster, so in addition to demoting Campbell, the Mets transferred Cesar Puello to the 60-day disabled list to clear room on the 40-man.

Thoughts:

With Daniel Murphy currently playing third base and Dilson Herrera at second base, Campbell was the clear choice to be sent down for Monell.

While Kirk Nieuwenhuis is struggling, he would’ve had to go through waivers in order to be sent to the minors. Additionally, dropping Nieuwenhuis would’ve left the Mets without a left-handed outfield bat for the bench.

Regarding the 40-man roster move that will need to be made, unless the Mets have a trade in the works that would export a player who’s currently on the 40-man, the obvious move would be to shift Jerry Blevins (broken forearm) to the 60-day disabled list.

Blevins landed on the 15-day disabled list two weeks ago, and he won’t get his cast off for another month. It’s fair to assume it will take him at least two weeks to rehab after his cast comes off, which would take him to the end of a potential 60-day DL stint.

The Mets could also opt to shift Cesar Puello (back) to the 60-day disabled list. However, Puello is reportedly close to being cleared for baseball activity, meaning a move to the 60-day DL wouldn’t be necessary.