New York Mets Activate Tommy Hunter From IL

LOS ANGELES - The Mets got a key middle reliever back from the injured list.

Prior to the Mets' rubber game against the Dodgers on Wednesday, the team activated relief pitcher Tommy Hunter from the IL.

Hunter has been on the shelf since April 4 with back spasms. In two appearances this season, the righty has a 11.25 ERA. But his numbers are ballooned due to one poor outing, where he surrendered five runs.

Last season, Hunter posted a 2.42 ERA for the Mets in 22.1 innings. New York is hoping to be able to rely on the 35-year-old in middle relief this year.

With Hunter back, righty Denyi Reyes has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. According to manager Buck Showalter, Reyes is going to be stretched out as a starter in the minor leagues.

The Mets have had to dip heavily into their rotation depth, which is now razor thin due to the amount of injuries the team has suffered on their pitching staff. This is why they want Reyes to be a starter.

The latest injury in the Mets' rotation is starter Carlos Carrasco, who went on the IL on Tuesday with right elbow inflammation.

Carrasco received an injection and will be shut down for 3-5 days before being reevaluated, per Showalter. However, Showalter declined to say what the exact prognosis was after Carrasco underwent imaging.

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