The New York Mets announced that they have given first baseman Adrian Gonzalez his unconditional release and plan to call up Dominic Smith. Also, as the Mets have been playing with a three-catcher bench, they will designate catcher Jose Lobaton for assignment and select the contract of Ty Kelly from Triple-A Las Vegas prior to Tuesday’s game against the Braves.

Gonzalez, 36, slashed .237/.299/.373 with six home runs and 26 RBIs in his brief stint with the Mets. It stands to reason that Smith will share playing time at first base with Jay Bruce following Gonzalez’s release.

This will be the 23-year-old Smith’s second stint with the Mets this season as he had a brief visit earlier in the season, registering one plate appearance. In Triple-A this season, Smith has hit .260/.343/.370 with 16 doubles, one triple, and 25 RBIs. The alarming number is his two home runs, with all those extra-base hits factoring into a relatively weak .370 SLG%. All this comes in a notoriously hitter-friendly ballpark in a hitter-friendly league.

The Mets designated Jose for assignment, just not the one you were hoping for. Jose Lobaton will be DFA’d prior to Tuesday’s game against the Braves with Ty Kelly taking his roster spot. The Mets had been carrying three catchers for the last few games (for some reason) so this will give them more bench depth. This is not the first time this season the Mets have designated Lobaton for assignment, so it’s likely he will pass through waivers and be out-righted to Triple-A Las Vegas again.

Kelly, 29, is back in the Mets organization after a brief stop in Philadelphia last season. He’ll bring his decent .266/.345/.457 slash line to the Bigs, as well as his six home runs, 12 doubles, four triples, and 28 RBIs. The switch hitter can play anywhere in the field (except catcher) and should serve as a decent utility man. He’s not quite Joe McEwing, but his versatility will certainly help.

I want to take a second and “tip my cap” so to speak to Adrian Gonzalez. He’s long been a strong hitter in the league and while his stint with the Mets was short and unimpressive, his resume speaks volumes. We at MMO wish him the best of luck and hope he’s able to have a strong season with another organization!

