If the O's had evaluated correctly they wouldn't have traded for him last year!
More like the Mets flubbed it.
I think most folks thought that was a bit of an odd signing after the season he had last year.
I don't know if the Means camp can force a binding agreement that a minor league stint won't impact his free agency.
Without that guarantee I don't see him agreeing to be sent down.
Just not being good isn't cause for an IL stint.
I'm not suggesting it's hard to find some reason but you can't just say "He can't get minor league guys out" and IL a guy.