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The Mets have placed outfielder Cesar Puello on waivers, according to a report from ESPN.com. The outfielder, who turned 24 years old today, has been playing in the Mets' minor league system since 2008. Last year, he hit .252/.355/.393 with 13 stolen bases for Triple-A Las Vegas and played somewhat sporadically over the course of the season. He totaled just 371 plate appearances.
The year before last, Puello had a fantastic season for Double-A Binghamton, as he hit .326/.403/.547 with 16 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 377 plate appearances. Unfortunately, that season came to an early end when Puello was suspended 50 games for his involvement with Biogenesis.
When asked about Puello earlier in spring training, Paul DePodesta cited Puello's struggles against right-handed pitching last season—especially early in the season—as the thing he most needed to improve upon. Looking ahead, if another team claims Puello, the Mets lose him. If not, he'll start his season back in Triple-A Las Vegas.