NEW YORK (AP) — The Mets placed catcher Ronny Paulino on the 15-day disabled list the day after he finished serving a 50-game suspension.
Paulino was suspended with 42 games left last season while with the Marlins after testing positive for a banned substance. He has had anemia, a drop in the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Sunday that Paulino’s red blood cell count has increased enough that doctors have cleared him for activities.
Alderson expects to have Paulino back no later than April 26. Paulino is expected to serve as the Mets backup catcher and designated lefty-masher.
Paulino has a career .390 on-base percentage against left-handed pitchers, and hits .338. Against righties, he’s .301 and .245.
