Newsday’s Marc Carig reports that Mets reliever Fernando Salas won’t be allowed to play in Grapefruit League games until his work visa issue is sorted out. Thus far, Salas has only been allowed to participate in simulated games.
Salas got the proper paperwork filled out in order to play in the World Baseball Classic. He intends to pitch for Team Mexico. Their first game begins on March 10.
Salas, 31, joined the Mets at the August 31 waiver deadline from the Angels. Prior to the trade, he had a 4.47 ERA with a 45/19 K/BB ratio in 56 1/3 innings for the Angels. He turned his season around in the final month with the Mets, working 17 1/3 innings with a 2.08 ERA and a 19/0 K/BB ratio.
With Jeurys Familia likely to be suspended to begin the regular season, Salas was in line to be the set-up man before interim closer Addison Reed. The Mets are hopeful that Salas will get the work visa issue addressed in time for the regular season.
