With catcher Josh Thole and reliever Elvin Ramirez joining the Mets on Friday, the team designated struggling pitcher Chris Schwinden for assignment and optioned catcher Rob Johnson to Triple-A.

Schwinden had struggled with the Mets this season, struggling when given an opportunity to be the team’s fifth starter after Mike Pelfrey was lost for the season, needing Tommy John Surgery. Schwinden went 0-1 with a 12.46 ERA in two starts and one relief appearance.

Johnson was 10-for-32 in 11 games, but the Mets chose to send him to Buffalo instead of Mike Nickeas with Thole returning from a concussion.