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John Buck Returns, But Travis D'Arnaud Will Become Mets' Starting Catcher

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The future is now for the Mets.

Well, maybe not just yet. But it's getting closer and closer.

Catcher Travis d'Arnaud, who was the Mets' No. 1 position-player prospect before making his major-league debut this past Saturday, will stay in the majors and become the club's starting backstop.

The 24-year-old was initially called up when John Buck went on paternity leave. Buck is back with the club, and the Mets have opted to keep d'Arnaud on the roster, instead optioning Anthony Recker To Triple-A Las Vegas.

The right-handed hitter didn't exactly light the baseball world on fire over the weekend, but he certainly impressed general manager Sandy Alderson.

"One of the things we wanted to see over the three days is whether he was in an acceptable range of performance, and certainly he demonstrated that way beyond any threshold," Alderson said. "...He's not going to sit on the bench."

After three games in the major leagues, the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder is still looking for his first hit. He's 0-for-7 but has showed tremendous plate discipline, walking five times and striking out just twice.

Manager Terry Collins did maintain that Buck will still get his fair share of at-bats playing behind d'Arnaud.

"They're going to both play," Collins said. "...John Buck deserves some playing time, and he's going to get playing time. I'll discuss that when I get to see John."

Buck has provided some power for the Amazin's this season, but has struggled to hit for average and get on base consistently. He's batting .219 on the year with 15 homers and 60 RBIs, posting a .288 on-base percentage.

The young catcher is looking forward to reuniting with the experienced veteran, and learning all that he can as the season approaches its final month.

"I'm real excited to see John and get to work with John again," d'Arnaud said, according to the New York Post. "I had a bunch of questions for him (in spring training) and he was always there for me. I'm thankful for that, and being here I learned these pitchers. I know them a little bit, and it's an honor."

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