When the Mets signed Ronny Paulino this offseason, they expected him to provide a solid right-handed bat to fit in with Josh Thole when the team was facing a tough lefty. After having his return with the team delayed for over a month, Paulino will finally return with the big-league club as he's been activated from the disabled list this afternoon. Mike Nickeas has been sent back down to Triple-A.
Paulino's arrival to the team was greatly delayed as he had trouble obtaining a visa because of complications with his performance-enhancing drug suspension and didn't arrive to spring training on time. Then he had to be placed on the disabled list for anemia, as he finished what remained on his PED suspension (eight games). He was supposed to be taken off the DL early this week but strained a side muscle last weekend.
In 12 games in his rehab stint, Paulino went 8-for-42 with four RBIs. He could make his starting debut this Sunday when the Mets take on Cliff Lee.
