Strange: Mets Send Pedro Beato to Buffalo

The Mets announced on Twitter Friday that they have reinstated Chris Young from the paternity list. In a strange move to make room for him, the Mets sent Pedro Beato to Buffalo.

I am frankly stumped by this. Beato pitched reasonably well last season, struggling a bit after getting off to a hot start. In nine rehab games in the minors this year he has thrown to a minuscule 0.69 ERA, striking out 10 batters in 13 innings.

The Mets could have easily sent down Elvin Ramirez or Jeremy Hefner, who have not had particularly tremendous results for the Mets thus far this season.

Beato was a Rule 5 guy last season who probably could have used more seasoning in the minors, but the Mets didn’t want to lose him. Perhaps they think he still needs more work to be major league-ready. But considering the putrid performance by the bullpen thus far this season, I’m surprised the Mets didn’t run him out there at least a couple of times to see what he has to offer.

There’s got to be more to this story.