Byrdak, Lutz, and Black have been promoted

The Mets announced that they have promoted pitchers Tim Byrdak and Vic Black, and infielder Zack Lutz. The rosters expanded on September 1st, so the Mets will not need to make corresponding roster moves. 

Both Black and Lutz are on the 40 man roster, which Byrdak's contract has been purchased from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Lutz will likely replace Ike Davis, who was recently lost for the season with a strained oblique. The 27 year old infielder hit .293 with 13 home runs and 80 RBI in 111 games with the 51s this season.

Byrdak inked a minor league deal with the Mets over the winter, but was expected to miss most of the season due to a serious shoulder procedure. Byrdak played for the Mets from 2011-2012, posted a combined 4.08 ERA in 128 relief appearances. In 2013, he had a 1.27 ERA in 21 1/3 minor league innings. In-fact, he did not allow a run in his 11 appearances with the Las Vegas 51s.

Black was recently acquired by the Pirates in the Marlon Byrd trade. The 25 year old hurler had a 2.51 ERA in 53 games with Triple-A Indianapolis this season. He was ranked the 16th best prospect in the Pirates organization heading into the season.

Once the minor league playoffs are over, the Mets will certainly call up more players. 

Lutz has always shown the ability to be a natural hitter, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy in the minor leagues, and unfortunately is blocked by David Wright on the depth chart. I'm assuming he'll be all around the diamond in these final weeks of the season, whether it would be at first base, third base, or either corner outfield spot. At 27 years old, I don't think Lutz will become a full-time player, but if he has a strong showing in September, he could earn himself a bench spot in 2014.

As for Byrdak, he is definitely a great story. I did not expect to see him play for the Mets this year, but with his hard work and determination he is finally getting his chance to continue his career. Perhaps if he has a strong month, the Mets could re-sign him to a minor league deal in the off-season, given their lack of depth of lefties in the bullpen. 

Finally, with Black, I have high hopes for him. Despite being known as the player to be named later in the Byrd trade, I think he has high upside as a possible setup man. His 100+ mph fastball is his plus pitch, and he does have a work-in progress breaking ball. If he manages to figure out his control, he could be a dominant setup man for years to come.