Mets activate Neil Walker, place T.J. Rivera on 10-day DL

As the Mets enter rebuilding mode ahead of Monday’s trade deadline, the team faces both good news and bad news on their infield. The Mets have activated second baseman Neil Walker from the 10-Day disabled list, placing utility man T.J. Rivera on the DL in a corresponding move.

Rivera spent the last few days on the bench due to arm soreness, but today the club announced that he has been diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. There is currently no timetable for his return. Rivera had drawn some trade interest from clubs looking for infield help, but a deal seems unlikely now.

Walker has been on the DL with a partial left hamstring tear since June 15. He went 5-for-19 in five rehab games with Triple-A Las Vegas. He also started a game at third base, perhaps preparing for the likelihood of an eventual Asdrubal Cabrera trade.

Walker, who accepted the $17.2 million qualifying offer in the offseason, had been mentioned as a potential trade chip for the Mets. But with the uncertainty returning from injury and the general lack of demand for second basemen among playoff contenders, it’s possible he remains on the team past the July 31 trade deadline.