Tommy Hunter designated for assignment in ‘tough’ move for Buck Showalter – The Denver Post

PITTSBURGH — The Mets had to part ways with clubhouse favorite Tommy Hunter on Saturday, which was a difficult decision for all involved and now leaves a different decision for the veteran right-hander.

Will the 36-year-old continue playing if he’s claimed off waivers, or will he retire?

The Mets designated Hunter for assignment on Saturday after he pitched in back-to-back games and gave up four earned runs. The Mets needed fresh arms for a beleaguered bullpen and the Mets were able to get two from Triple-A Syracuse by using Hunter’s roster spot and optioning left-hander Zach Muckenhirn, who pitched 2 1/3 innings in Friday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Muckenhirn wouldn’t be able to pitch for a few more days and the Mets are still reeling from having to use six pitchers Thursday night in Atlanta. The Mets recalled right-hander John Curtiss and left-hander Josh Walker.

“Everybody has history with Tommy, so it’s tough,” manager Buck Showalter said Saturday at PNC Park before the Mets started the second game of the series. “That’s the fallout of a lot of different things, not just Tommy. We had a need for pitchers today, especially ones with length because you can never assume anything. A rolled ankle or a line drive and next thing you know you have to pitch those innings.”

Hunter was 0-1 with a 6.85 ERA this season. He was used as a long reliever earlier in the season but back spasms sent him to the injured list. He has a long history with Showalter, having played for him on the Baltimore Orioles.

“I called him early to see if he wanted to not come over, but Tommy wanted to come by and say goodbye to everybody,” Showalter said. “It’s never goodbye, it’s see you later. Tommy has a way of popping up in everybody’s lives. He’s a great teammate. It’s the fallout of us not doing some things in a lot of areas. We could have kept him.”

Hunter was a well-liked figure in the clubhouse, but the writing was on the wall after Hunter gave up the go-ahead three-run homer to Ozzie Albies on Thursday night in Atlanta as the last man available out of the bullpen.

Hunter could get claimed off waivers but is likely to reject a minor league assignment if he doesn’t. An Indianapolis native who played with David Robertson at the University of Alabama, Hunter frequently jokes about retiring soon. But there is some truth behind the humor. He has three kids and a fourth one on the way and he’s spoken about his desire to coach his sons’ baseball teams.

However, if he does accept a minor league assignment, the Mets would like to keep him in the organization.

“In today’s world, he might get claimed,” Showalter said. “When the smoke clears, I think Tommy will end up with a place in baseball.”

THE UNDERSTUDY

The Mets used Mark Canha at first base for the third game in a row in the absence of Pete Alonso. While the club does have a rotating cast of characters they can use at that corner spot, Canha has the most experience at the position having played 125 games there.

“I’ve noticed the last few days that the muscle memory is still there,” Canha said. “There will be some plays, I imagine, where there will be new feelings. But I feel pretty comfortable there.”

Mark Vientos will see some time there as well and consistent playing time might unlock some of his offensive abilities and his power tool, but the Mets see Canha as a reliable option. With the way the defense has fallen apart during this seven-game losing streak, they need someone who can save some runs.

Canha is looking forward to doing that during a tough time for the team.

“I always enjoy a challenge,” Canha said. “And I also take pride in my versatility and my ability to fill in when guys are hurt and when I’m needed. That’s always been my calling card throughout my career. I really want to do a good job.”

HITTING THE REST BUTTON

Francisco Lindor was used as a designated hitter for the first time this season. The Mets have been trying to DH some of their lineup regulars like Brandon Nimmo and Lindor on occasion in order to spell them defensively. It’s a way to manage their workload, but for Lindor, it’s also a way to get a mental reset.

The shortstop made a game-changing error Friday night and the Mets spiraled from there. He called it a “mental error” and took full accountability for it and for what happened next. He also recently went through a dry spell and has continued to say he needs to play better.

Luis Guillorme took his spot at shortstop.

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