Mets claim new left-handed bullpen Buddy for Blevins

SAN DIEGO — Mickey Callaway said he isn’t sure if the Mets need a second lefty in the bullpen, but at least the organization has another potential option.

On Friday, the club claimed Buddy Baumann off waivers from the Padres and planned to assign him to Triple-A Las Vegas. The 30-year-old Baumann appeared in 23 games for the Padres last season, posting a 2.55 ERA and 1.019 WHIP.

In one appearance this season for the Padres, he allowed two earned runs in one-third of an inning.

“I think he can help,” Callaway said before the Mets’ 5-1 victory over the Padres on Friday night. “This kid that we claimed has a real good spin rate on his fastball and that helps him succeed against left-handers. I think any time you can take advantage of that and put our organization in a better spot as far as depth goes, then we have to do it.”

Jerry Blevins is the Mets’ only lefty reliever, but Robert Gsellman and Paul Sewald are among the righties who have handled lefty batters. Callaway was asked if the Mets need a second lefty.

“I think we do have some guys that can go either way, getting lefties and righties out, but it never can hurt to have that ex- tra weapon,” he said. “I think we always have to keep in mind how the rest of our roster works, and to have two left-handers that can pitch just against lefties, because you want to have a guy who can

give you some length.”

Jacob Rhame returned from Triple-A Las Vegas and Corey Oswalt was optioned. The Mets will have to make a roster move Saturday when Jason Vargas is activated from the disabled list. Callaway indicated it was still under discussion whether the Mets would keep an eightman bullpen. If the Mets stick with eight in the bullpen, Brandon Nimmo could be headed back to Las Vegas.

Asdrubal Cabrera, who went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer in the seventh inning, moved into the leadoff spot and Michael Conforto (0-for-3) shifted to fifth as Callaway wanted a right-handed bat in the top spot to face Padres lefty Clayton Richard.

The Mets entered play with nine victories from relievers, the most in the major leagues. The Mets’ 10 saves was the second-most in the majors, and opponents’ .210 batting average against the bullpen was the eighth-lowest mark in the majors.