Rays trade reliever Wilmer Font to Mets, recall Casey Sadler

ST. PETERSBURG - Wilmer Font didn’t seem long for the Rays after being unable to match the first impression he made last year, and he was traded on Monday to the Mets for a player to be named or cash considerations.

Font impressed after being acquired in trade from Oakland last May, posting a 2-1, 1.67 mark in nine games until being sidelined in late June with a lat strain that kept him out the rest of the season.

He made the opening day roster this year despite an unimpressive spring primarily because he was out of options and the Rays wanted to give him more time.

But he didn’t really regain his 2018 form, nor seem to have the trust of his bosses to work in many key situations, posting a 5.79 ERA in 14 innings over 10 games, with 18 strikeouts but also 15 hits and five walks.

The Rays will recall Casey Sadler, who was called up last week and then sent down Sunday to make room for Ryan Yarbrough, who was then sent down this morning, and replaced on the roster by infielder/outfielder Andrew Velazquez. Optioned players usually have to spend 10 days in the minors but can be recalled sooner if there is an injury to or trade of a player on the big-league team.

So if you’re keeping track, Sadler is in the bullpen, Velazquez is on the bench, Yarbrough is headed back to Durham and Font to join the Mets.