NEW YORK -- Slowly but surely, the Mets are regaining important pieces to their starting lineup. One day after Travis d'Arnaud's return, the club activated shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera from the disabled list before Thursday's rubber game against the Padres.
Cabrera did not start, though.
In a corresponding roster move, Kevin Plawecki was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.
During his rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton on Wednesday, Cabrera went 2-for-5 and played 10 innings of a doubleheader at shortstop with no issues. Cabrera had been on the DL since May 14 with a sprained left thumb, which he sustained diving for a ground ball in the hole.
"I played yesterday and I feel normal," Cabrera said on Thursday.
Cabrera added he is experiencing no pain in the thumb and whatever discomfort may still be there is no big deal, whether it involves fielding or gripping a bat. He does not expect to be limited physically in any way.
"I feel really good," Cabrera said. "I feel that my thumb is ready [enough] to come back."
The DL stint doubled an opportunity for Cabrera to nurse back a series of bumps and bruises he has endured throughout the early parts of the season. Nonetheless, it was hard for Cabrera to sit and watch as the Mets went 3-6 without him.
"All you do is want to be there and support the team until you get back," Cabrera said.
d'Arnaud batted eighth on Thursday in his first start since being sidelined for 22 days with a wrist injury. Jay Bruce, who was absent from Wednesday's game with back tightness, batted third and started in right field.