Catcher Rod Barajas was activated from the disabled list, which...

Catcher Rod Barajas was activated from the disabled list, which could mean less playing time for Josh Thole. Credit: Christopher Pasatieri

The Mets will be back to three catchers Tuesday when Rod Barajas is expected to rejoin the team in Houston.

Barajas has been on the disabled list since July 26 with a left oblique strain. But he was batting only .164 (9-for-55) with a .207 on-base percentage in the month leading up to the injury and manager Jerry Manuel anticipates sticking with Josh Thole as the everyday catcher.

That leaves Barajas to battle Henry Blanco for backup duties, and Manuel emphasized this week that he liked how Thole and Blanco alternated time with Johan Santana and R.A. Dickey.

Barajas has the potential to supply some much-needed pop, but his slugging percentage was at a measly .236 over the last month, and he has only one homer since May 31.

"Rod gave us a good boost early in the season," Manuel said. "He was a clutch hitter, hit some home runs. We kind of miss that power. We look forward to getting him back and trying to make it work with the catchers that we have."

It's still another two weeks before rosters expand Sept. 1, so the Mets would have to make room, and it seems that Fernando Martinez would be the most likely candidate for a demotion.

The Mets have 12 pitchers, but it's more like 11 because Oliver Perez is never used. There is also the possibility that they could trade Barajas before Tuesday, but nothing appeared imminent on that front.

 

Extra bases

Jason Bay has started light activity - basically running - and that's the first indication that his post-concussion symptoms have cleared. The Mets will take it slow with Bay, who has been on the DL since July 30, and there is no projected date for his return to baseball activity . . . Manuel said that Pat Misch will take his next turn in the rotation Thursday in Houston, but nothing is guaranteed beyond that.

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