MIAMI -- Seeking to inject a fresh arm into their bullpen following Thursday's 16-inning victory over the Marlins, the Mets on Friday recalled left-handed pitcher Sean Gilmartin from Triple-A Las Vegas. To make room, the team optioned utility man T.J. Rivera to Las Vegas.
Gilmartin, 26, made one start for the 51s, allowing three runs over 3 1/3 innings. He owns a 3.72 ERA in 64 career big league games, including a 7.13 mark last season.
Manager Terry Collins said the Mets were without closer Addison Reed on Friday, as well as relievers Hansel Robles and Josh Smoker. All those pitchers endured either heavy use in the 16-inning game, the days leading up to it or both. Given their absence, Noel Salas was on call Friday as the team's closer.
The addition of Gilmartin shifted the Mets back to an eight-man bullpen and a four-men bench, an untraditional alignment that they used for much of the season's first week. Rivera received his first and only start at third base Thursday, going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts before the Mets removed him as part of a double-switch. He was 0-for-3 with two walks in five plate appearances overall.
In Las Vegas, Rivera will defend his 2016 Pacific Coast League batting title, which he won with a .353 average in 105 games.