5 Mets players who won’t be on the roster by May 1

The Mets will save more face if it’s Chasen Shreve they get rid of by May 1

The other southpaw in their bullpen, Chasen Shreve, rejoined the team on a minor league contract a few weeks before Opening Day. He can’t be reassigned to the minor leagues either which means he would have to be DFA’d first before the Mets can clear a roster spot.

Shreve’s spot may feel safe given his experience. He is also more talented than Rodriguez. The Mets couldn’t possibly get rid of both nor should we expect them to.

Aside from his own performance in the month of April, fans should pay attention to other potential arms for the Mets to promote. They are unlikely to make a significant trade or pick up a better player on waivers or through free agency. What they can do is get lucky and see someone in the minor leagues knock so loudly on the big league door that it cannot be ignored.

Down on the farm, they have veteran Mike Montgomery capable of going more than an inning. A bit younger, the Mets could count on Thomas Szapucki or Josh Walker to help the bullpen. Alex Claudio is another veteran they added this winter on a minor league deal eager to get back. Finally, there’s Rob Zastryzny whose name will have all of New York tongue-tied if he does reach the big leagues.

The Mets can remain patient with someone like Shreve since he has pitched well in the past. They should also pay close attention to what some of their other guys are doing. Shreve won his chance with the Mets this spring. Now he’s fighting to keep that opportunity.