Photo by James Farrance

Tim Healey of Newsday reports Syracuse Mets UTIL Travis Blankenhorn was designated for assignment. The move was required after the New York Mets signed former Milwaukee Brewers RHP John Curtiss to a Major League deal.

This is an example of how bizarre MLB transaction rules can be. With Curtiss recovering from Tommy John, the Mets were immediately able to place him on the 60 day IL thereby creating a spot on the 40 man roster. However, in order to free up that spot on the roster, the Mets first had to remove someone from the roster.

Blankenhorn was the Opening Day DH for Syracuse. He had been one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing opener. He was 2-for-3 with a double and stolen base.

Blankenhorn was replaced at the DH spot in the lineup by Carlos Rincon. Rincon was the Opening Day first baseman. Patrick Mazeika, who was the Opening Day catcher, moved to first. Nick Meyer took over at catcher.

Mazeika has extensive experience playing first in his minor league career. With Syracuse carrying four catchers and no regular first basemen, it’s likely Mazeika gets his fair share of time at first to help everyone get sufficient playing time.

While the transactions and roster shuffle helped get Meyer into the lineup, Khalil Lee remains out of the lineup. Syracuse manager Kevin Boles indicated Lee’s absence is due to unspecified travel issues. It should be noted Lee was born and raised in the United States, so there is visa at play.

With Lee out of the lineup, Quinn Brodey has started in his place in right field. Brodey did not take advantage of the limited opportunity starting the season going 0-for-6 with three strikeouts.

Finally, as reported by MMN‘s own Michael Mayer, RHP Eric Orze was added to Syracuse’s roster. Orze, 24, is MMN’s 20th ranked prospect.