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Mets Release Outfielder As Veterans Near Return From Rehab
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- Mets Release Outfielder As Veterans Near Return From Rehab
The New York Mets announced that they've released outfielder Jared Oliva , according to a report from AJ Eustace of MLBTradeRumors.com , after designating him for assignment several days ago. Oliva was on the minor league injured list when he was designated for assignment, so he wasn't eligible to be placed on outright waivers.
That gave the Mets the choise to either trade him or release him, and Eustace called the decision to release him "unsurprising."
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The Mets claimed Oliva on June 23 after he was designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants . The Mets then sent him to Triple-A Syracuse, where Oliva got into a total of four games and recorded three singles in 17 plate appearances, although he did steal four bases.
His total slash line for the season is .232/.289/.290 over 77 plate appearances in the minors this year, with that number including his Triple-A plate appearances with the Giants. Oliva broke camp with the Gians and appeared in seven games before he went on the injured list with a fractured left hamate bone. He didn't appear in a big-league game with the Mets, so now he'll be looking for a new team.
The 30-year old Oliva was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2017, and he debuted with Pittsburgh in 2020. He didn't appear in the majors from 2022-25, according to Eustace, and he's been bouncing around on minor league deals since.
His overall numbers at Triple-A haven't been bad, and he posted a slash line of .252/.335/.413 with 57 stolen bases in 398 appearances with the affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers last year, and that was enough to draw the attention of the Giants and then the Mets.
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Despite his speed and occasional production, Oliva hasn't been able to earn meaningful big league playing time, Eustace added, and he'll hit the market looking for a new team. He may be a good fit for clubs that need a right-handed bat and outfield defense, and he may become a depth option in that role. Oliva also comes wiht some roster flexibility, as he has an option year remaining after this season.
For the Mets, releasing him probably has something to do with center fielder Luis Robert Jr. getting closer to returning has he continues his rehab assignment. Robert recently homered as he continues to get healthy, and he could represent a possible trade option to get a low-level prospect in return.
