Mets Activate Jason Bay From Disabled List, Designate Omar Quintanilla For Assignment

The Mets have activated Jason Bay from the disabled list in time for tonight's series opener against the Washington Nationals. Bay has missed the grand majority of the season thus far, but his most recent stint on the disabled list came after he suffered a concussion on June 16.

In just 83 plate appearances with the Mets this year, Bay has hit .187/.253/.373 with 4 home runs. He has been much better against left-handed pitchers than right-handed pitchers this year, but his overall production is down against both. Bay is expected to be platooned in left field, and Jordany Valdespin looks like the best bat to share the outfield duties with Bay.

Bay's contract, which he signed with the Mets before the 2009 season, is only guaranteed through 2013. In order to guarantee his vesting option for 2014, Bay would either need 500 plate appearances both this year and next year, which is no longer possible, or 600 plate appearances next year.

To make room for Bay on the team's roster, the Mets have designated for assignment Omar Quintanilla, who filled in for the injured Ruben Tejada and Ronny Cedeno at shortstop and hit .257/.350/.371 while playing strong defense. The last time he had a plate appearance, however, was July 1. He will have to pass through waivers before he can be assigned to Buffalo.