Mets Rumors: Fernando Salas Is Expected To Return Sunday
New York Mets Rumors: Relief pitcher Fernando Salas has been dealing with a visa issue that has kept him from pitching in the Grapefruit League, but it appears as though the problem has finally been resolved.
Recent New York Mets rumors revolve around what has been a crazy offseason for Fernando Salas. Just weeks before Opening Day, he has reportedly resolved a problem with his work visa and will be able to rejoin the Mets on Sunday.
Salas, 31, has spent the past few weeks trying to get his work visa so he can get back into the country. He pitched for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic but has been unable to rejoin the Mets in spring training because of an issue with his visa.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that Salas has been dealing with the problem in his home country of Mexico.
Fernando Salas, who has been dealing with a lingering visa issue in his native Mexico, is expected to return to Mets camp on Sunday.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 18, 2017
Mike Puma of the New York Post reported on Saturday that the issue has reportedly been resolved, and Salas is expected back with the team on Sunday.
Fernando Salas is expected back tomorrow. Visa issue appears resolved.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) March 18, 2017
The fact that Salas will now be able to return the Mets is very good news. They need him to be ready for Opening Day, and it looks like he now will be.
Earlier in the offseason, Salas signed a one-year, $3 million contract to stay with the Mets. He is expected to have a significant role in the bullpen this season. Salas will probably be the Mets main seventh inning man this year, although he could be the setup man to start the season if Jeurys Familia is suspended.
Familia is still awaiting Major League Baseball’s decision on whether or not he will be suspended for a domestic violence incident that took place on October 31. If he is punished by the league, there is a good chance that Addison Reed will be the Mets closer to start the season.
After coming over in a trade from the Los Angeles Angels in August of last season, Salas pitched well for the Mets. In 17 games, he went 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA. In 17.1 innings pitched, he recorded 19 strikeouts and did not allow any walks. If he can continue to have that kind of success in 2017, the back end of the Mets bullpen will be very solid.
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It is a relief for the Mets that Salas will finally be back with them on Sunday. Hopefully, he can get enough work in during the final weeks of spring training so as to be ready for Opening Day.