Tomas Nido returned to the Mets in Chicago on Thursday in what will be his first game back from the Injured List.
Nido, 29, was placed on the IL on May 10 with dry eye syndrome, which affected his vision and forced the Mets to try and figure out a solution to correcting the catcher’s vision. The organization and Nido eventually found a solution that involved plugs that help Nido’s eyes stay lubricated, and he’s taking medication for the allergies.
“Thankfully we were able to figure out what was going on and figure out the best solution for the time being,” Nido told reporters prior to Thursday’s game. “This is the best outcome on the solution. I’m just glad to put this to rest.”
Nido explained that his dry eyes also forced him to have a new prescription despite having LASIK eye surgery five years ago. Nido explained that he was in the minors so he could get used to the new prescription during games.
In 51 at-bats this season, Nido is slashing .118/.148/.266 with one RBI and no extra-base hits. Nido was asked about whether his eyes affected his production, and the Puerto Rico native downplayed it.
“I don’t want to put excuses. I’m sure it affected me in some way but it is what it is,” he said. “I feel a lot better and I'm excited to get out there and get going again.”
In four games in Low-A, Nido went 3-for-15 with a home run and two RBI, and is now coming into a catching situation that is log-jammed. Aside from Nido, the Mets have rookie sensation Francisco Alvarez up as well Omar Narvaez, who was acquired in the offseason, and is expected to return from the IL in early June.
Former Yankee Gary Sanchez was designated for assignment to make room for Nido, but despite that, Nido isn’t worried about the situation or his role and just wants to help the team win games.
“I’m just ready to help in whatever way they need me to,” Nido said. “At the end of the day, things usually play themselves out with time. I’m ready for whatever the team needs and whatever role they need me on. Whatever happens, I’m prepared for it.”
Before he was placed on the IL, Nido and Alvarez were the Mets catchers. But since the veteran went on the Injured List, Alvarez has really turned it on. Since May 10, Alvarez has hit 9-for-33 (.273) with three home runs and seven RBI in 10 games.
Nido calls Alvarez’s progress “unbelievable” and is happy that his teammate is excelling.
“I’m a huge fan of him, always been,” Nido said. “I’ve always told him he belongs here. I’m so happy for him and how things are going for him. He’s swinging the bat well, he’s catching well. We all knew he could do it, it just takes time to get used to it, and he’s putting it all together right now.”