Mets outright Mike Nickeas to Triple-A Las Vegas

New York Mets catcher Mike Nickeas cleared waivers, and has been outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas, according to Andy McCullough. Nickeas struggled at the plate in 2012, hitting just .174 with 13 RBI in 109 at-bats. Nickeas has spent each of the last three seasons as a backup catcher for the Mets. He has never hit above .200.

The Mets must now decide what they will do at the catcher position. They could tender a contract to Josh Thole, who has started the majority of New York's games in each of the last two seasons. In 2012, Thole hit .234 with only one home run in 104 games.

Alternatively, the Mets could make an offer to Kelly Shoppach, who filled in during the second half. Shoppach is a veteran, but he hit a mere .203 for the Mets in 79 at-bats.

Last week, the Mets claimed Anthony Recker off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. Recker has unimpressive numbers in the majors, and is likely to begin 2013 in the minors.