Jason Bay, platoon player

When the Mets inked Jason Bay to a four-year, $66 million contract prior to the 2010 season, they obviously weren't counting on him being a part-time player come August of the third year. Yet that's where we are. Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters Tuesday that Bay has been demoted -- for lack of a better term -- to a platoon role.

That's $16 million for a platoon player. (Getty Images)

When the Mets inked Jason Bay to a four-year, $66 million contract prior to the 2010 season, they obviously weren't counting on him being a part-time player come August of the third year. Yet that's where we are. Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters Tuesday that Bay has been demoted -- for lack of a better term -- to a platoon role.

“We’re going to make some -- certainly depending who’s on the mound -- some adjustments out there,” Collins said, noting that his left-handed hitters “have given us good opportunities to win some games.” (nypost.com)

Bay, 33, is hitting .154/.248/.285 with five homers and 11 RBI in 40 games this season for the Mets. The right-hander hasn't had much success this season against any pitcher, as he has a .559 OPS against lefties and .515 OPS against righties.

Bay is owed $16 million by the Mets for next season. He actually has a vesting option for $17 million in 2014, but that is triggered by 600 plate appearances next season. Platooning him is a good way to prevent the option from vesting.

For more baseball news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnBaseball on Twitter, subscribe to the RSS feed and "like" us on Facebook.