Mets make first round of spring training cuts

The Mets announced their first round of spring taining cuts Tuesday, sending 13 players who had been with the big league camp over to the minor league camp.

Right-handed pitchers Chris Flexen and Franklyn Kilomé and left-handed pitcher Drew Gagnon are on the 40-man roster so the team has officially optioned them to the minors.

The remaining players are not on the 40-man roster and so they have just been reassigned: catchers Patrick Mazeika and Colton Plaia; infielder Gavin Cecchini; right-handed pitchers Ryder Ryan, Corey Taylor, Josh Torres, and Stephen Villines; and left-handed pitchers P.J. Conlon, Anthony Kay, and David Peterson.

Players in minor league camp may continue to get playing time in major league spring training games, but generally at a reduced frequency.

Chris Flexen is a key piece of rotation depth currently but had limited opportunities in big league camp, throwing just 2.1 hitless innings. Drew Gagnon is also a candidate to see time in the majors this season but struggled with a 11.25 ERA over 4 innings.

Ryder Ryan, acquired for Jay Bruce in 2017, impressed so far this spring with good velocity and impressive breaking pitches. He has an outside shot at a bullpen role this season, particularly if he carries his 2018 success into Triple-A this year.