5 players cut by Mets expected to start season with 51s

By Betsy Helfand Las Vegas Review-Journal

8 years ago

New York Mets’ Gavin Cecchini looks up as he crosses home plate after hitting a home run in the second inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, Fla., Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. (David Goldman/AP)

Mar 9, 2017; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets right fielder Travis Taijeron (73) makes a catch during a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at First Data Field. (Steve Mitchell/USA Today Sports)

Mar 16, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Ben Rowen (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. (Jasen Vinlove/USA Today Sports)

Houston Astros’ Max Stassi (12) is tagged out by New York Mets shortstop Matt Reynolds (15) as he tries to steal second base in the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 14, 2017, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (John Bazemore/AP)

The New York Mets made five more cuts from major league camp Wednesday morning, and all five should start the season in Las Vegas.

Infielders Gavin Cecchini and Matt Reynolds and reliever Erik Goeddel were optioned to minor league camp, while pitcher Ben Rowen and outfielder Travis Taijeron were reassigned.

All but Rowen, who was not in the organization last season, played for the 51s in 2016.

The moves were unsurprising, though Rowen, who was signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, had a shot at making the team’s bullpen.

With Rowen’s reassignment, the odds of Las Vegan Paul Sewald making the Mets’ Opening Day roster have seemingly increased.

Sewald, who closed for the 51s last season, has made an impression as a nonroster invitee at big league camp, giving up two runs in 10 1/3 innings.

The Mets also announced they would play the 51s in an exhibition game March 30 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Follow all of our Las Vegas 51s coverage online at reviewjournal.com/51s and @RJ_Sports on Twitter.

Contact Betsy Helfand at bhelfand@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BetsyHelfand on Twitter.