New York Mets: 5 Players Not on Opening Day Roster Who Have Made Contributions

For the New York Mets, depth was a major issue heading into the season.

Like in 2009, the injury bug has plagued the team, only earlier this year than anyone expected.

However, the Mets have received timely contributions from several players who originally didn’t factor too much into the team’s plans for this season.

Here are five Mets who have been great finds after starting the year in the minors.

5. Jason Pridie

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PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 02: Jason Pridie #92 of the New York Mets hits against the Atlanta Braves at Tradition Field on March 2, 2010 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Jason Pridie had only appeared in 11 games for the Minnesota Twins over the last two seasons.

When Angel Pagan went down with an injury, the Mets recalled Pridie because he was the best defensive outfielder in Triple-A.

Not only had Pridie filled in great defensively when needed, but he’s also come up with a few clutch hits, including a pair of three-run homers earlier this season.

Don’t let the .239 batting average fool you. He’s driven in 11 runs and has drawn 11 walks, which has added to his .320 OBP.

He’s a great option to have around as a fourth outfielder and left-handed bat off the bench. He even has good speed, which further adds to his value.

4. Ruben Tejada

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Ruben Tejada #11 of the New York Mets completes a double play while Argenis Diaz #73 of the Pittsburgh Pirates unsuccessfully slides into second base in the eighth inning on September 14, 2010 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighb

Ruben Tejada is playing so well that the Mets will be faced with a tough decision once Ike Davis and David Wright are ready to return.

Tejada was in the competition for second base this spring, but the organization wanted him to play everyday shortstop so he could be an insurance plan for Jose Reyes.

Tejada has been a magician with the glove, which has been the norm since his call-up last season.

However, this year, he’s also off to a .316 clip. He won’t drive in many runs, but he has found a way to get on base.

If he keeps up his torrid hitting, the Mets may have to find a way to keep him on the roster.

3. Jason Isringhausen

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: Jason Isringhausen #45 of the New York Mets celebrates getting the final out of the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies on April 11, 2011 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

To think, the Mets actually broke camp with Blaine Boyer instead of Jason Isringhausen.

Boyer is long gone, while Izzy has been a mainstay as the setup man in front of Frankie Rodriguez.

Isringhausen has only given up six runs in 21 games, and that includes a recent streak of giving up a run in three consecutive appearances.

He’s shown good life on his fastball and a very good curveball.

The Mets will continue to rely on Izzy late in games.

2. Dillon Gee

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 07: Dillon Gee #35 of the New York Mets pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 7, 2011 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

When Terry Collins called Dillon Gee a major league ready pitcher this winter, he wasn’t kidding.

Gee has been phenomenal since his promotion in mid-April. He’s 5-0 with a 3.83 ERA in seven starts.

Once Chris Young went down for the season, Gee was able to cement himself in the rotation.

Though he’ll give up a few runs here and there, he throws strikes and gives his team a chance to win every time out.

When and if Johan Santana returns, Gee will hold down his rotation spot if he continues to put up “Ws.”

1. Justin Turner

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NEW YORK - MAY 20: Justin Turner #2 of the New York Mets grounds out to second against the New York Yankees on May 20, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Mets defeat the Yankees 2-1. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Justin Turner has been the glue that has held the Mets together in the absence of Ike Davis and David Wright.

He didn’t get going right away, but really came into his own during the road series in Houston, including the game he drove in five runs and hit his first career home run.

Turner set the Mets rookie record for driving in at least one run for seven straight games. After not driving in a run for two games after that, he now has another six-game RBI streak going.

He’s driven in 21 runs in just 92 at-bats and is hitting .337 on the year.

His hitting and defense have earned him a spot on the roster, and he should still get plenty of playing time once Wright and Davis return.