MLB notes: Mets sign Jose Reyes to minor league contract
The New York Mets signed shortstop Jose Reyes to a minor league contract on Saturday, creating a reunion with the team’s former star who now must overcome a suspension for domestic violence as he attempts to revive his career.
In a move general manager Sandy Alderson said was unrelated, slumping outfielder Michael Conforto was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas and outfielder Brandon Nimmo was called up to be with the team for Saturday night’s game at Atlanta.
The 33-year-old Reyes played primarily at shortstop for the Mets from 2003-11 but may be used in a utility role in his return. Alderson said Reyes will play this base in his first minor league game with the Class A Brooklyn Cyclones on Sunday.
Alderson said Reyes also will work in the outfield.
Reyes was released by Colorado after he served a 59-day suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.
Alderson said during a conference call he believes Reyes deserves a second chance, though he acknowledged he expects some fans will not agree with the decision.
“I do believe he is a good person at heart, a good person who made a big mistake and a good person who deserves a second chance with conditions,” Alderson said, adding one condition is Reyes must continue counseling.
Alderson was asked what he would say to fans offended by the decision to sign Reyes.
“I think we fully understand there will be differences of opinion about this,” Alderson said. “Some people will feel strongly and differently. I think we accept that and we respect that. All I can say is Jose and the organization will be held to a standard going forward that recognizes the seriousness of domestic abuse and commitment to stand against it.”
Colorado released Reyes earlier Saturday and is responsible for the $38,021,858 remaining in his contract: $12,021,858 of this year’s $22 million salary, next year’s $22 million salary and a $4 million buyout of a 2018 club option. If Reyes is added the Mets’ 40-man roster, New York would be responsible for just a prorated share of the $507,500 minimum, which would be offset against what the Rockies owe.
Rose added to Reds’ Hall of Fame
Pete Rose joked about his hair and his age. He reminisced about all those wins with the Big Red Machine. There was one thing that the hits king was determined not to do when he was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds’ Hall of Fame.
“I’ve already cried on the field one time,” Rose said on Saturday, referring to the time he got his record-setting hit. “That’s enough.”
The 75-year-old Rose kept his composure during a pregame ceremony honoring him as the 86th player to go into the team’s hall. Many of his former Big Red Machine teammates – Hall of Famers Johnny Bench and Tony Perez, among them – were on hand to join in the humor and the honor.
Tigers score run overnight
The Detroit Tigers have been credited with an extra run from the last play of Friday night’s loss to Cleveland, making the final score 7-5 in favor of the Indians.
The final score initially was 7-4, but the Tigers announced the change Saturday, saying the play was reviewed by the Elias Sports Bureau and Major League Baseball.
Detroit trailed 7-4 with one out and runners on first and second when Miguel Cabrera’s flyball to right-center field was caught by Rajai Davis, who bobbled the ball at first. The Indians eventually doubled Cameron Maybin off first for the third out. Since Ian Kinsler – the runner on second – crossed the plate before Maybin was retired, his run counts.
Clearing the bases
Switch-hitting first baseman Mark Teixeira was activated from the 15-day disabled list and batted sixth for the New York Yankees against Minnesota. Teixeira had been sidelined with torn cartilage in his right knee. … The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled shortstop Chris Taylor from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Taylor, who will be used in a utility role, was acquired on Sunday from the Seattle Mariners in a trade for right-hander Zach Lee. … The Kansas City Royals reinstated left fielder Alex Gordon from the disabled list before their game Saturday against the Houston Astros. The three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner fractured his right wrist in a May 22 collision with third baseman Mike Moustakas while chasing a foul ball at Chicago. Moustakas suffered a season-ending torn right anterior cruciate ligament.