Reliever Drew Smith back with Mets after missing almost 6 weeks with shoulder soreness

NEW YORK (AP) — Reliever Drew Smith was activated from the 15-day injured list by the New York Mets on Sunday after recovering from right shoulder inflammation that had sidelined him since April 23.

Smith made five one-inning relief appearances during a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment from May 8-31, four for Triple-A Syracuse and one for Class A Brooklyn.

A 30-year-old right-hander, Smith is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 10 innings over 10 games with the Mets this season.

“We have to be careful and really make sure that we put him in a situation where we’re not putting him at risk,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We feel comfortable where he’s at physically, but he’s a big part of that bullpen. Obviously, we missed him the past few weeks.”

New York optioned left-hander Josh Walker to Triple-A Syracuse following Saturday’s 10-5 loss to Arizona.

Mendoza said closer Edwin Díaz has been playing catch. The All-Star right-hander went on the IL on Wednesday because of right shoulder impingement.

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