Mets' roster taking shape

The New York Mets pared down their roster Sunday, assigning outfielders Andrew Brown, Jamie Hoffmann and Brian Bixler and pitcher Aaron Laffey to their minor-league camp. The team also sent infielder Brandon Hicks to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Laffey, who was considered a possible injury replacement in the rotation, was tagged for four runs -- his first runs allowed in the spring -- over three innings during an exhibition win over St. Louis on Sunday.