SAN DIEGO — A trusted bullpen arm will return to the mix for the Mets on Friday, when Dedniel Nunez is scheduled for activation from the injured list.
Nunez was originally scheduled to join the Mets in New York on Wednesday for evaluation and fly west with the team but had a travel issue from Triple-A Syracuse, according to manager Carlos Mendoza.
The right-hander instead flew separately Thursday and, following an evaluation, has been cleared for activation.
Nunez was a key eighth inning setup option before he was placed on the IL with a strained pronator in his right elbow.
The rookie has pitched to a 2.43 ERA in 24 appearances for the team.
“The way he was throwing the ball before he went down, he was a high-leverage guy,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets’ 8-3 win over the Padres. “His ability to get righties, lefties and throw strikes, the way he uses all his pitches, it puts our team in a better position. We have got a lot of different options.”
To add Nunez, the Mets will have to remove a pitcher from the 26-man roster.
Danny Young, Reed Garrett and Huascar Brazoban are the relievers with minor league options remaining.
If the Mets were to option Young it would leave them without a lefty in the bullpen.
Harrison Bader was absent from the starting lineup for a third time in four games, based on the matchup against Padres starter Dylan Cease, according to Mendoza.
Tyrone Taylor, who went 2-for-4, started in center field with Jeff McNeil (3-for-4 and an RBI) in right, leaving Starling Marte on the bench.
“I talked to them about playing time, and if your name is not in the lineup, that doesn’t mean you are not going to be part of that game,” Mendoza said. “They will be ready to go when needed, and they understand where we are.”
Christian Scott is throwing with intensity during his long-toss sessions and mixing in changeups, according to Mendoza.
“He’s letting it loose,” Mendoza said.
The right-hander remains a possibility for a return this season from the sprained ulnar collateral ligament that has kept him sidelined for the last month.
