Mets manager Terry Collins said Tuesday that Josh Thole will be the club's primary starting catcher in 2011.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson was noncommittal about the matter last week, but it's safe to assume that the two have talked this one through. Thole hit .277/.357/.366 with three home runs over 73 games in 2010. He won't be much of a fantay option, especially if he's paired with a veteran backup.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson was noncommittal about using Josh Thole as the team's primary catcher next season.

"Whether he plays the majority of games or not, we're going to need additional catching help," said Alderson. "So I think in part it's going to depend on what I hear and what others think of Thole. And the second is going to depend on what's available out there otherwise. But we're very happy that we have him. Exactly what his role will be is a little undetermined. Whatever it is, we're going to need some backup." It's still very early, but look for the Mets to pair Thole with a veteran right-handed caddy such as Henry Blanco, who served as the backup catcher in Queens this past season.

Josh Thole hit a 10th inning walkoff solo homer in a 2-1 win over the Nationals on Friday night.

Thole had two of the four Mets' hits on the evening. The rookie backstop is batting .277 with a .350 on-base percentage, three homers, 17 RBI and an impressive 24/21 K/BB ratio over 195 at-bats this season. The new Mets' GM could find Thole a platoon partner against left-handers, but he looks like the clear-cut No. 1 catcher for the club next season.

Josh Thole has decided against playing winter ball in Venezuela.

Thole told his decision to Venezuelan sports journalist Efrain Ruiz Pantin. Not only is he preparing to be the Mets' starting catcher next season, but he is also getting married in December. The young backstop was second in the Venezuelan league in batting when he played for Caracas last winter.

Josh Thole was 1-for-3 with a double in a win over the Rockies on Tuesday.

Thole's double in the bottom of the seventh pushed Jeff Francoeur in position to score the only run of the game on a sacrifice fly by Jose Reyes. The young backstop is batting .323/.414/.415 with one home run, three doubles, seven RBI and an impressive 10/7 K/BB ratio over 65 at-bats with the big club this season. Thole doesn't possess much power, so his upside is limited in fantasy leagues, but he deserves to be playing most of the time right now.

Josh Thole is ready to start Sunday despite a fouling a ball off his foot in Friday's game that led to an X-ray.

The X-rays evidently came back OK, because Thole is expected to catch knuckeballer R.A. Dickey Sunday. Feel free to stick Thole in your lineup if you normally would.

Josh Thole had an X-ray after fouling a ball off his foot in Friday's game.

Thole said he was "OK" Saturday, though it's not clear if he will be in the lineup. Henry Blanco will play if he's not ready.

Mets manager Jerry Manuel said that Josh Thole, who hit his first major league home run on Tuesday, will get more playing time moving forward.

Thole was a candidate to be sent to the minor leagues to make room for Oliver Perez, but Justin Turner got the boot after Tuesday's game, instead. "I think if we are to keep him, we have to play him more," said Manuel. "It's the only right thing to do. And if you're struggling offensively, there's no use taking out the guys that are a good offensive player. But I also believe that Rod is going to find his way back as well. I don't know exactly what direction I'm going to do [Wednesday], I'll be honest with you." Should Thole continue to hit, we wouldn't be surprised to see the struggling Rod Barajas designated for assignment.

Josh Thole will catch R.A. Dickey Thursday but is likely to be demoted after that.

The youngster has been the knuckleballer's personal catcher. The Mets can't carry three catchers forever, though, and Thole will be the one that gets the boot, leaving Rod Barajas and Henry Blanco left on the roster.

Josh Thole, one of three catchers on the Mets' roster, will continue to start when knuckleballer R.A. Dickey pitches.

It sounds like Jerry Manuel wants Thole to play twice a week, which would seemingly leave little for Henry Blanco to do. Perhaps the Mets will consider trading Blanco to a team in need of a veteran backup.

Josh Thole was scratched from the starting lineup against the Reds on Monday night.

Thole, a left-handed hitter, was in the original lineup, but was removed after Aaron right-hander Harang was scratched with lower back pain. Rod Barajas, a right-handed hitter, will start against the left-hander Travis Wood.

Mets recalled C Josh Thole from Triple-A Buffalo.

Rod Barajas is a little dinged up, so Thole will provide insurance for at least the next few days. He has a .231 career batting average in 53 at-bats.

Mets prospect catcher Josh Thole suffered a minor leg injury during Tuesday's game for Triple-A Buffalo.

Thole tripped over a bat while trying to make a play at home plate. It shouldn't keep him out of action for long.

Mets prospect catcher Josh Thole left Tuesday's game for Triple-A Buffalo after tripping on a bat.

The injury occurred while Thole was playing defense in the 11th inning. As of now, there's no word on the severity or the nature of the injury. Stay tuned. Thole, 23, entered Tuesday's action with a lousy .184/.247/.299 batting line over 87 at-bats with Triple-A Buffalo.

Mets optioned C Josh Thole to Triple-A Buffalo.

Thole was up for just five days as the Mets waited to get Henry Blanco back from the bereavement list. He did not appear in a game, but should the Mets need another backup catcher, he'll be the one they call.

Josh Thole will travel with the team for a four-game weekend series against the Marlins.

Thole will stay with the big club until Henry Blanco is ready to return from the bereavement list. He has yet to log an at-bat since being called up on Monday.

Mets recalled C Josh Thole from Triple-A Buffalo.

Thole's stay in the big leagues won't be long, as he's only going to be filling in for Henry Blanco for a few days. But it should be a nice time for the Mets to get a good look at him on the major league level. The 23-year-old hit .321 in 53 at-bats for the Mets last season.