Mets' Paulino has stomach, colon ailments
Ronny Paulino will likely land on the disabled list because of "stomach and colon issues," according to general manager Sandy Alderson. Credit: Getty Images
VIERA, Fla. -- Ronny Paulino's eight-game suspension is now only the jumping-off point for a longer absence after general manager Sandy Alderson said Tuesday that the catcher's "stomach and colon issues" will lead to a stint on the disabled list, as well.
Alderson's statement at least seemed to suggest that Paulino's health scare will not prevent him from returning to baseball. But when that might be is beyond anyone's guess at this point. Paulino has been sidelined since Friday because of an alarming blood test from the team's routine physical earlier this month. After a "diagnostic procedure" Monday, Alderson provided a few additional details Tuesday.
"There are stomach and colon issues that are going to keep him out for a while, and we don't know the extent of either of those," Alderson said. "But we do think it's going to keep him out for a while based on the medication that he'll have to take. Right now, I anticipate he'll be suspended the first eight games, but it's very possible thereafter he'll go on the disabled list for a period of time."
The Mets signed Paulino to a one-year, $1.3-million contract in December to be the backup to Josh Thole, but now they will be forced to use Mike Nickeas as the reserve on the Opening Day roster.
Extra bases
The Mets traded Triple-A pitcher Eddie Kunz to the Padres for Class A first baseman Allan Dykstra, who is no relation to the former Mets outfielder. Dykstra, 23, was a first-round pick of the Padres in 2008, when Alderson was in San Diego's front office. He batted .241 with a .372 on-base percentage last season at Class A Lake Elsinore . . . David Wright went 2-for-4 with his third home run and Brad Emaus also had two hits, lifting his average to .306, as the Mets beat the Nationals, 8-2 . . . Pat Misch cleared waivers and is expected to report to Triple-A Buffalo.
