T.J.

Rivera

Rivera was signed back in May from the Long Island Ducks. The infielder has not played in the majors since spending time with the Mets in 2017. In 57 games with Triple-A Indianapolis has hit .249/.295/.384 with five homers in 212 plate appearances.

The 32-year-old has not played in the major leagues since 2017 with the Mets when he hit .290/.330/.430 in 231 plate appearances. Rivera recently signed a contract to play for the Long Island Ducks, but the Pirates are an obvious step up regardless of what some may say to the contrary.

This is actually his second stint with the club, as he previously played with the Ducks in 2019. The 32-year-old played for the Nationals’ Double-A affiliate in 2019 and hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2017 with the Mets. He’ll try to showcase his skills in hopes of latching on with another major league organization.

Rivera is just one of many cuts among players who were on non-guaranteed minor league contracts. The 31-year-old utility infielder hasn’t appeared in a game at the major league level since 2017, when he slashed .290/.330/.430 with five home runs in 231 plate appearances with the Mets.

Rivera continues his tour around the National League East, as he had a brief stint in the minors in the Nationals organization last season following his tenure with the Mets. The 31-year-old hasn’t played in the majors since 2017.

Rivera had been playing independent ball after being released by the Mets in spring training. He’s been assigned to Double-A Harrisburg.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported the news. Rivera is recovering from Tommy John ligament-replacement surgery and is still feeling discomfort in his right elbow. The 30-year-old infielder last played in the majors in 2017 and owns a career .304/.335/.445 slash line with eight homers and 43 RBI in 106 games. He will look to latch on with another team.

Rivera still feels discomfort in his surgically-repaired right elbow and doesn’t appear close to making his spring debut. The 30-year-old infielder played a handful of rehab games last year but hasn’t logged a major league at-bat since 2017. At this rate, the Mets shouldn’t be counting on him for Opening Day.

He’s now back on the 40-man roster. Rivera’s rehab from Tommy John surgery didn’t go well and he would still appear to be a question mark for spring training.

Neil Walker is set to go on paternity leave, so Rivera will provide some infield depth. The 27-year-old recently hit .355 (11-for-31) during his first stint in the majors.