NEW YORK (AP) -The Mets purchased the contract of Brian Stokes from Triple-A New Orleans to make an important start against the Florida Marlins on Saturday night.
It was the first big league appearance this year for the right-hander, who was beaten out by Joe Smith for a bullpen spot in spring training. Stokes went 10-8 with a 4.41 ERA in 23 games (22 starts) at New Orleans, and was 2-7 with a 7.07 ERA in 59 relief appearances for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
To make room on the roster, the club optioned right-hander Ruddy Lugo to Triple-A.
Ailing closer Billy Wagner, working his way back from a strained left forearm, played catch before the game. Outfielder Ryan Church (concussions) took batting practice and was scheduled to leave for the Mets’ training complex in Florida to begin a rehab stint next week.
John Maine also said he was feeling OK after throwing 61 pitches in a simulated game on Friday. Maine is coming back from a mild strain in his right rotator cuff and plans to start Wednesday at Washington.
The Mets began the night a half-game ahead of the Marlins and a game back of the Philadelphia Phillies in the tightly bunched NL East.
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