NEW YORK -- Their bullpen as well rested as at any point this season, the Mets on Wednesday made a roster move to return to a full five-man bench and a seven-man bullpen. The team recalled utility man Matt Reynolds from Triple-A Las Vegas, optioning left-hander Sean Gilmartin to Vegas in a corresponding move.
Reynolds hit .300 with three doubles, four RBIs and 10 runs scored in 13 games with the 51s this season, making starts at third base, left and center field. A natural shortstop, Reynolds batted .225 with eight doubles, three home runs and 13 RBIs in 47 games for the Mets in 2016.
Gilmartin made just one appearance while with the Mets, facing three batters without allowing a run. He went 3-2 with a 2.67 ERA in 57 1/3 innings in 2015, his rookie season with New York, but struggled the following year with a 7.13 ERA in 17 2/3 innings.
The move gives the Mets a five-man bench, which they have employed only rarely so far in 2017. Due to a heavy bullpen workload early in the year, the Mets relied frequently on an eight-man relief corps.
Matz, Lugo progress
Mets pitchers Steven Matz and Seth Lugo, both of whom are recovering from elbow injuries, are ready to attempt throwing off a mound. Both pitchers, who have long tossed at up to 120 feet, will throw their first bullpen sessions in the coming days.
Flores recovering
Wilmer Flores traveled to Port St. Lucie, Fla., this week, after spending the weekend in the hospital with a right knee infection. The Mets have not revealed a timetable for Flores, who is eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday, to begin baseball activities.