Blue Jays Claim Aaron Laffey, Mets Promote Juan Lagares

The sound of laughter you are hearing is coming from Mets fans all over the world after getting word that the Blue Jays claimed Aaron Laffey on waivers Tuesday.

The Mets designated the soft tossing lefty for assignment after four appearances in which he pitched to an ERA of 7.20. That any team sees value in him is mystifying. It just goes to show you that if you’re a left handed pitcher, you can always find work.

In other Mets player news, the team demoted Kirk Nieuwenhuis and promoted Juan Lagares. Nieuwenhuis hit just .125 in 16 at bats, starting only three games. It is a shame; it is beginning to look like Nieuwenhuis will never live up to the promise he showed early last season when he came out of nowhere with timely hit after timely hit, only to eventually falter and be sent down to the minors.

Juan Lagares, meanwhile, was tearing up Triple-A, hitting .346 with three home runs in 78 at bats. The power surge from Lagares is a bit of a surprise; the most he has ever hit in a minor league season is nine, in 2011. He also hit .349 that season, but regressed last year with a .283 average.

The 24 year old has been in the Mets system since 2006, signed out of the Dominican Republic at age 17. He is a converted infielder who has played all three outfield positions. Lagares is also a right handed hitter, which should help balance out the lefty-heavy team.

Now if only Sandy Alderson can do something with this bullpen…