Josh Thole
The Mets announced on Thursday that they recalled catcher Josh Thole from Triple-A Buffalo. To make room for the Thole, reliever Raul Valdez has been optioned to Buffalo. Valdez has a 5.10 ERA in 30 innings pitched.
Since May 1, Thole has hit .318 (34-107) with 14 doubles, one triple, two home runs and 11 RBIs in 33 games with Buffalo.
He batted .321 (17-53) with two doubles, one triple and nine RBIs in 17 contests with the Mets last season.
According to the The Star-Ledger, the move was prompted because starting catcher Rod Barajas woke up with a sore back on Thursday morning. Manager, Jerry Manuel, plans on starting Thole, who will be wearing #30, on Friday in the opener against the Minnesota Twins.
