New York Mets Wilmer Flores Declares Himself Ready

By Kenneth Teape | May 27, 2016

May 8, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores (4) reaches first on an error by San Diego Padres third baseman Brett Wallace (39) during the third inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Mets utility man Wilmer Flores has declared himself ready to return, as he is more than likely going to be reinstated off the DL for tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The New York Mets are looking for help at first base with Lucas Duda sidelined for multiple weeks with a stress fracture in his back. They look like they are going to get some today in the form of Wilmer Flores.

Flores, who has been on the disabled list since May 12th with a strained hamstring, has declared himself ready to return to the big league club after his rehab stint with the Binghamton Mets of Double-A this week.

“I felt really good out there, especially at first base. I don’t have much playing time there, but I feel great overall,” Flores told the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin. Flores is confident that he is ready to return, they are just waiting on the official word from the Mets; the plan all along has been for Flores to return tonight for the start of the weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

More from New York Mets

Flores will probably take over at first base with Duda sidelined, replacing Eric Campbell. The Mets were working with Flores throughout Spring Training on learning first base so that he could be the team’s backup at the position. The Mets envisioned Flores being a super sub with the ability to play all over the infield, as he already has experience playing third base, shortstop and second base.

Flores handled first base for the first two rehab games he played before logging a full nine innings at second base on Thursday. He played three consecutive days, which is a good sign that he is ready to return as he had no setbacks in game action.

Flores didn’t have great numbers with Binghamton, going 2-for-11 during his rehab stint. But, the important thing was that he made it through healthy and looks ready to go. The Mets could certainly use him, as they need as much help as they can get replacing Duda at first base.

With Flores seemingly ready to return, the Mets will have to make a roster move to activate him off the DL. Matt Reynolds and Ty Kelly will be on the chopping block, as they were the two players called up most recently for the Flores and Duda DL stints.

Next: New York Mets Five Greatest First Baseman Of All-Time

Reynolds is most likely the one to be demoted, as Kelly looks to work his way into the action at first base, and also brings a ton of position flexibility with him, something Reynolds does not have as much as.

Home/New York Mets