COVID-19: After tough battle with coronavirus, NY Mets reliever Jared Hughes is activated

After signing with the Mets, Jared Hughes traveled from Texas to New York to begin summer camp. Upon his arrival, he tested negative for COVID-19.

He then felt symptoms a couple days later. He told the team it needed to immediately test him again. 

Positive. 

“I feel like you see that list of symptoms and I had the majority of them, from a fever to a cough to aches to fatigue, headache, eye pain,” Hughes said on Sunday after the Mets reinstated him from the injured list. “The list goes on. It was a very difficult virus.”

Hughes required around eight days to fight off symptoms. The worst: The fever, sweating and increased heart rate. He said his temperature regularly checked in at 100.5 or 101.5. At one point, he felt he had recovered before symptoms returned again, leading him to contemplate going to the hospital. 

“It was unique and scary,” Hughes said, “and I’m glad I’m through it.”

He and his wife, who is at home with their two young children, discussed whether he should play this season. While it was scary he became infected so soon, he couldn’t travel back home after his exposure and he had gone to New York to play. They decided he should just play. 

Hughes, who has a career 2.88 ERA, should help a Mets bullpen that has struggled thus far. In a corresponding move, the Mets optioned right-hander Franklyn Kilomé. 

Hughes feels great. His ramp-up included throwing one inning, multiple innings and even throwing back-to-back days. He estimates he has thrown six innings. 

“I’m feeling strong,” Hughes said. “I’m feeling ready to go.” 

He feels fortunate that the Mets’ doctors helped him through coronavirus and were there whenever he needed anything. In particular, he lauded Dr. Kathryn McElheny. 

He is also grateful the team made he and everyone else quarantine upon arriving in New York. At the time, he didn’t know he had the virus but he’s glad he didn’t infect anyone.

Hughes is excited to be back. When the Mets called and expressed interest, he immediately accepted their offer. 

“I want to win,” he said. “That’s what’s attractive (about this situation). I really like our team here and I think we can do it.”

Canó finding himself at plate

Days ago, Robinson Canó insisted a slow start did not concern him. He felt that, for his entire career, he’s always needed the first handful of games to get his timing and rhythm at the plate. 

He’s now the hitter the Mets said he would be, even at 37 years old. He’s quickly heated up over the last few games, providing the offensive boost you would expect from someone with his track record. 

“He’s in a good place right now,” manager Luis Rojas said before Sunday’s game against Atlanta. 

Over nine games this season, prior to Sunday, Canó is slashing.393/.438/.571. He’s hit one home run while driving in four runs. He also has two doubles.

In 32 plate appearances, he’s only struck out three times. He’s drawn three walks. 

After beginning the season with a 1-for-12 skid, Canó is simply hitting again.

Asked about Canó, Rojas pointed to the work Canó did before the two games versus Boston at Citi Field. The Mets lost both, but he began to find himself.  

“He was working off the machine, high (velocity),” Rojas said. “Letting the ball travel. At the same time, staying behind the ball. I think that was a good drill for him. It translated well to the field. He hasn’t been out front like we’ve seen him a lot of times when he beats that ball into the ground and hits that ground ball to second or to first. He’s stayed behind the ball well.”

Canó has received criticism for his underwhelming performance since the Mets acquired him in a trade. Last season, he hit .256 as he dealt with injuries. He’s worked to strengthen his legs to prevent those injuries, which he felt derailed his season. 

After a few rough games to start the shortened 2020 season, Canó might be getting back to himself. 

Lowrie transferred to 45-day injured list

Jed Lowrie’s Mets career is essentially over. 

The team on Sunday transferred him to the 45-day injured list. It does not appear he will ever meaningfully contribute as his left knee continued to give him discomfort. 

The Mets called his diagnosis “PCL laxity,” which in basic terms means looseness around the ligament. 

Prior to last season, Lowrie signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Mets. He took seven at-bats for the team late last season, but did not collect a hit. He did not play the field at all. 

It appears his Mets career will end with that.

"I haven't talked to Jed recently and the actual status and what we're doing, the transition of the braces and everything we need to do to get him to play at some point," Rojas said. "Where I stand right now, I'm not ruling anything out yet. It's still sthign that even though its 45 days, we've still got to see what's happening and how he's progressing and his plans and the schedule. We can definitely talk about it. Forty-five days from now, this season's not over.

"The bat, the ability Jed can bring to the table, we can have it in the back of our head if he gets to that point where he's able to play."

Mets trade Bashlor 

The Mets traded right-hander Tyler Bashlor to the Pirates for cash considerations. 

The Mets had designated Bashlor for assignment. With his stuff, which includes a fastball that usually sits around 96 mph, it seemed he would be claimed. 

Instead, the Mets traded him. 

Justin Toscano is the Mets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Mets analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.

Email: toscanoj@northjersey.com Twitter: @justinctoscano