Reading, Pa. - The best way for Binghamton Mets third baseman and former Crusader Zach Lutz to get closer to New York is to drive 220 miles in the opposite direction -- and that's exactly the plan.

Lutz got the call to move from the New York Mets' double-A team in Binghamton to the AAA team in Buffalo Tuesday night as waiver claims and September call-ups wreak havoc on baseball rosters across the country.

The move gives Alvernia University fans a pair of alums to pull for one step from the majors with former catcher Anthony Recker firmly planted in the Oakland A's triple-A team in Sacramento. The River Cats recently posted an interview with Recker on their website after his move to the starting lineup.

In 45 games for the B-Mets Lutz batted .289 with 14 doubles and 17 home runs, which ties Nick Evans for the team lead. Lutz launched his 17th home run of the season this past weekend in Reading -- a game-winner off the left field bulls eye at First Energy Stadium.

Neither Lutz nor Recker is on the 40-man roster of their respective major league teams; a list they would need to make to be eligible for September roster expansion. So far, the Mets called up outfielder Lucas Duda and pitcher Jenrry Mejia for expansion. The A's have yet to announce any moves.

Recker is currently batting .272 in Sacramento with nine home runs and 37 RBIs. The River Cats have six games left on the 2010 schedule while Lutz and the Bison have seven to go.