2015 Mets season review: Kevin Plawecki

Kevin Plawecki stared the 2015 season in Triple-A Las Vegas, but he joined the Mets soon after that, as Travis d'Arnaud's broken finger left them little choice. The catcher served as the Mets' starter in d'Arnaud's absence, and Anthony Recker continue to serve as a backup.

Plawecki announced his arrival with a 2-for-4, two-run night in a 7-1 win against the Braves on April 21. Four days later, he hit his first big league home run against the Yankees in the Bronx. Plawecki remained on the major league roster when d'Arnaud returned from the disabled list in June and was thrust back into the starting role when d'Arnaud hit the DL again with an elbow injury ten days later.

Overall, Plawecki's rookie season featured more growing pains than banner days. Through his first 62 games, he hit .228/.283/.296 with two home runs and 17 RBI in 227 plate appearances. Plawecki was sent down to Vegas in early August, shortly after d'Arnaud returned from his elbow injury. He was called back up in September and hit just .148/.258/.296 in 31 plate appearances. He earned a spot on the postseason roster, which was a nice cap on an otherwise lackluster rookie campaign, but he didn't play in any of the Mets' playoff games.

It's obviously far too soon to deem Plawecki a bust, particularly since he was originally called up out of absolute necessity, not necessarily because he was ready. Right now, it looks like he'll continue to serve as Travis d'Arnaud's backup—and primary replacement in the event of an injury—in 2016.