Photo By Ed Delaney, MMO
The New York Mets announced a flurry of roster moves on Friday afternoon before they start their three-game series with the New York Yankees.
Yoenis Cespedes has been officially activated by the Mets after being on the disabled list since May.
Cespedes played in two rehab games for the Gulf Coast League Mets this week including his first pro appearance at first base on Wednesday. In the two games, he went 2-for-8 with a three-run homer.
The 32-year-old hasn’t played in a major league game since May, and was shutdown last month after hitting a snag in his rehab. Cespedes was originally placed on the disabled list with a mild strain of the right hip flexor. Mets assistant GM John Ricco has also noted that Cespedes has a chronic heel issue.
Right-handed reliever Drew Smith has also been added to the 25-man roster, he was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas.
Smith, 24, allowed one run in three innings in his first taste of major league action for the Mets last month. He also 2.68 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 8.8 K.9 this season in 37 minor leagues innings.
To make room on the 25-man roster for Smith and Cespedes, the Mets optioned Dominic Smith and right-handed pitcher Corey Oswalt to Triple-A.
Smith, 23, hit .183/.216/.324 in 28 major league games this year while playing left field and first base. The Mets have given the majority of the recent playing time at first base to Wilmer Flores.
Oswalt, 24, gets sent down after three straight solid starts in which he allowed six runs on eight hits in 15 innings. The Mets have decided that Jason Vargas will return to the Mets rotation on Tuesday.
