51s send Ashley to DL to make room for Rivera

Nevin Ashley (25) catches a ball during media day for the Las Vegas 51s at Cashman Field in Las Vegas on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. The event was held ahead of opening Thursday’s season opener against the Fresno Grizzlies. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto

Tampa Bay Rays catcher Rene Rivera, center, and umpire Eric Cooper look on as New York Yankees' Starlin Castro singles during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Thursday, March 24, 2016, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

The 51s sent catcher Nevin Ashley to the disabled list Thursday to make room for the recently signed Rene Rivera.

Ashley has an ankle injury, Las Vegas manager Wally Backman said.

The Mets signed Rivera, a veteran catcher, to a minor league deal Tuesday. Rivera appeared in 110 games last season for the Tampa Bay Rays and hit .178. Rivera, known for his defense, has hit .211/.258/.331 in seven major league seasons.

Johnny Monell started at catcher for opening day on Thursday and will be the team’s primary catcher this season after hitting .324/.389/.469 in 71 games with Las Vegas last season.

“Johnny’s going to do most of the catching,” Backman said. “I want Johnny’s bat in the lineup.”

Betsy Helfand can be reached at bhelfand@reviewjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @BetsyHelfand