Thole beginning baseball activities: Mets catcher Josh Thole (concussion) is not currently experiencing headaches at the moment, reports SNY. Thole is headed to Florida to begin baseball activities as of Monday. Thole was cleared for non-baseball activities last Wednesday, after successfully passing a computerized concussion test. (Updated 05/21/2012)
Injury Report
Head - 7-day DL. Out until at least late May (Updated - 5/21/12)
Fantasy Analysis
Thole keeps progressing and should be completely over his concussions sooner rather than later. That said, these things tend to linger, so Fantasy owners should realize he's not out of the woods just yet. Thole is expected to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before he is able to return. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his recovery and make sure he does not suffer a setback. Thole can be considered a NL-only option in the majority of formats when healthy. (Updated 05/21/2012).
05/07/2012 22:58 Mets catcher Josh Thole may have concussion
Mets catcher Josh Thole likely sustained a concussion in Monday night's game against the Phillies. He'll probably be placed on the seven-day disabled list.
05/07/2012 22:30 Mets beat Phils, Papelbon in ninth on Valdespin's first MLB home run
Jordany Valdespin had a pinch-hit three-run homer off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth inning for his first major league hit, leading the New York Mets to a 5-2 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night.
05/06/2012 17:17 Hit Parade for Week 6
Plenty of pitching matchups to take advantage of as we look ahead to Fantasy Week 6. Our Scott White helps you make sense of some platoons and maximizes your lineup's potential in his Hit Parade.
05/06/2012 15:57 Mets ride Dickey to victory over D-Backs
R.A. Dickey baffled the Diamondbacks with his knuckleball, pitching shutout ball into the ninth inning to lead the New York Mets over Arizona 3-1 on Sunday.
05/04/2012 22:51 Ransom caps Diamondbacks' rally
Cody Ransom hit a two-run homer and a go-ahead single in the eighth inning to help the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Mets 5-4 on Friday night, handing New York its fourth straight loss.
Josh Thole didn’t quite make the impression many onlookers were anticipating during his first year as the Mets’ full-time catcher last season. He stumbled to a slow start and hit just .224 at the plate during the first two months of the season as he struggled mightily with strikeouts (16 during the month of April). It wasn’t until backup C Ronny Paulino returned from a 50-game suspension that Thole improved his offensive production as the 25-year-old posted a quality batting average of .281 after the All-Star break. He still has his struggles facing left-handed pitching and hit more than 100 points less against southpaws than versus righties (.167 to .280). However, with no immediate threats behind him on the Mets’ bench -- or in the minors -- Thole could eclipse his career high of 114 games played set last season. Still, Thole may best be served in NL-only Fantasy formats for the 2012 season, especially in leagues that require two catchers. Fantasy owners should also not expect a rise in power as Thole has just six home runs in 204 career major league at-bats. (Updated 2/6/12)