Shawn

Riggans

The former Ray signed a minor league contract with the Mets in February, but didn’t figure to crack the roster unless they were hit with significant injuries. He was 3-for-10 (.300) with two RBI between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Buffalo to begin the year.

The 33-year-old backstop hasn’t appeared in the major leagues since he was a member of the Rays during the 2009 season, and hasn’t played minor league ball since 2011. While the O’s were simply kicking the tires, he’s unlikely to return.

Riggins also caught Kazmir in his start Sunday and could start to steal at-bats from Dioner Navarro. He represents a much bigger threat for playing time than Josh Paul ever did.

Riggans was on the minor league DL with a similar problem before he was called up by the Rays last month. It sounds like he might have rushed back after noticing the opportunity in Tampa Bay that opened up when Josh Paul got hurt. Raul Casanova will replace him.

Dioner Navarro is batting .184 with no home runs, so the Rays might as well give Riggans significant playing time. He projects as a long-term backup for the club.

Riggans will likely be returned to Triple-A Durham when he is healthy.

Riggans should be recovered by spring training but missed his first chance for extensive big-league playing time. “It’s another setback for him,” manager Joe Maddon said. “This was the year he may have had the chance to really get an opportunity.”

Better if they had moved on entirely, though this won’t matter unless Joe Maddon insists on carrying him out of spring training. Paul hit .190/.234/.248 in 105 at-bats last season. The Rays should be leaning towards going with Shawn Riggans over him.

The dreaded name of Dr. James Andrews even came up. Looks like it will be Michel Hernandez backing up Dioner Navarro for the forseeable future.

Riggans is slated to rejoin the big-league squad this weekend, but that may now be in jeopardy. It’s unclear what exactly occurred, but it looked like the catcher took a foul ball off his shoulder. Stay tuned.