Tomas Nido/Photo by Ed Delany

The New York Mets recalled catcher Tomas Nido and right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen from Triple-A Las Vegas prior to Saturday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team announced. To make room on the active roster, catcher Jose Lobaton was designated for assignment and left-handed pitcher Buddy Baumann was optioned to Las Vegas.

Nido, who has already spent 28 days in the major leagues this season, was pinch-hit for in the second inning of last night’s 51s game. In his first taste of Triple-A, the 24-year-old hit .235 (4-17) with two doubles and an RBI.

Flexen has yet to see major league time in 2018. Following an understandably shaky debut in 2017, the 23-year-old has enjoyed a successful start to 2018 in Las Vegas. Through eight outings, Flexen owns a 3.40 ERA, 3.33 FIP, and 2.81 K/BB ratio. He last pitched on Monday.

Lobaton, who reached 7.000 years of major league service time on Wednesday, holds significant leverage in this situation. The Mets will have seven days to trade, release, or outright him to the minor leagues, but should they take the latter route, Lobaton can refuse the assignment (in which case he’ll have to be traded, kept, or released) or elect free agency (either immediately or after the end of the regular season).

Baumann, who was claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres on April 27, made his lone appearance for the Mets on Thursday. He allowed three runs on three hits with three strikeouts in two innings against the Toronto Blue Jays.