Byrdak makes successful return to Major Leagues

ATLANTA -- Lost in the shuffle of the Mets' blowout loss Monday was left-hander Tim Byrdak's successful return to the Majors. Less than a year after undergoing major left shoulder surgery, Byrdak returned to fire 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief against the Braves, allowing one hit and striking out one.

"At this time last year, if you asked me if it was possible, I would have said, 'No way,'" Byrdak said. "But to come back and do all that hard work and have it pay off is nice."

Byrdak, who posted a 4.40 ERA in 56 appearances last season, figures to see plenty of action down the stretch alongside fellow lefty specialists Scott Rice and Pedro Feliciano.