3 Mets players who could lose their roster spot when these teammates return from the IL

2) Adrian Houser would be off the Mets roster if Kodai Senga came back

Although not a direct replacement right now, the return of Kodai Senga could mark the end of Adrian Houser’s time with the Mets. Already demoted to the bullpen from the rotation, the performance of younger guys like Christian Scott, Jose Butto, and the pairing of Tylor Megill and David Peterson returning from the IL will give the team plenty to consider.

Houser isn’t a bad option to have around in the bullpen. As a long man the team can use to eat up innings, he’s just about perfect. There’s room to grow into the role and actually be pretty useful.

The Mets run into a few problems when trying to stash an inferior player. Their bullpen doesn’t have much roster flexibility. For the sake of having the ability to carry fresh arms, they may need to cut Houser loose sooner than they ever expected.

The good news is someone might take a shot on him and they could actually trade him away. Even if all it leads to is some salary relief, it’s not such a bad thing. A little more payroll wiggle room could allow them to get adventurous at the trade deadline—if they don’t sink themselves first.