Travis d'Arnaud entered the season on a short leash while his recovery from Tommy John surgery served as a constant hurdle.

The Mets have acted on that thinking, designating the catcher for assignment Sunday and recalling Tomas Nido from Triple-A Syracuse to take over backup duties behind the plate.

d'Arnaud came to the Mets in 2012 in the trade that sent R.A. Dickey to Toronto. He was the key piece in that swap, with Noah Syndergaard actually serving as the additional piece in the package.

"What we've seen from Travis, it's been tough," manager Mickey Callaway said. " ... We have tough decisions to make, and obviously this is a tough one."

But d'Arnaud never fully grew into the hitter he was projected to be and defensive issues -- aside from commendable pitch framing -- disgruntled him among the fanbase. This year, d'Arnaud had two hits in 25 plate appearances -- he was thrown out at second base trying for a double Saturday, which was his final hit before being DFA'd.

A checkered injury history marked d'Arnaud's time with the Mets, culminating with Tommy John in 2018 that cost him nearly the entire season. The Mets ultimately tendered him a contract for 2019, even with the signing of Wilson Ramos to take over as the everyday catcher.

But d'Arnaud could not produce enough to hold onto his backup role.

Over his seven-year career with the Mets, the 30-year-old batted .242 with 42 homers.

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