Drew Smith is back, but maybe not fully.
The Mets used the reliever on Sunday but did not use him in a 5-4 loss to the Diamondbacks at Citi Field after manager Carlos Mendoza said he would approach the right-hander with “caution.”
Smith has been sidelined for about six weeks with right shoulder inflammation and was temporarily removed from his initial rehab assignment due to shoulder pain.
“[We need to] “We’ve got to really make sure we put him in situations where he’s not in danger,” Mendoza said before using every reliever except Smith and Adrian Houser. Jake Diekman missed the save.
Because Smith pitched for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday and Friday, Mendoza said he was available to pitch Sunday only in an “emergency situation,” such as if the bullpen was empty in an extra innings game.
Mendoza said the Mets are [Smith is] The 30-year-old was used on consecutive days in April, but Mendoza will likely avoid such an deployment.
Smith pitched well in March and April, posting a 2.70 ERA in 10 games, and his return will be significant for the relief corps now without him.
With Edwin Diaz on the 15-day disabled list, Brooks Raley out for the season and Jorge Lopez designated for assignment due to poor performance, the relief staff is struggling with overwork.
Smith is expected to contribute, but the Mets hope that doesn’t happen often.
“We have to be careful how we use him,” Mendoza said.
The Mets have remained quiet about any new celebrations.
Mets hitters looked toward the dugout and punched the air after key hits.
“It’s a team job,” Tyrone Taylor said. “I can’t really get into the details, but it’s great to do it together. It builds team camaraderie.”
Luis Torrens, whom the Mets acquired in a trade on Friday, made his team debut, catching seven pitchers and going 0-for-2 with one walk.
“Lou is a very smart guy,” Mendoza said. “He’s been really engaged in our meetings the last few days. [pitching coach Jeremy Hefner] … Catching balls in the bullpen.
“It’s good to have him playing catcher.”
Kodai Senga pitched again on flat ground. It’s unclear when the rehabbing right-hander will return to the mound.
In activating Smith, the team optioned left-handed pitcher Josh Walker to Triple-A Syracuse.
Dedniel Nunez (1 1/3 scoreless innings, one hit and no runs, three strikeouts) has struck out 18 batters in his first 10 2/3 major league innings, the most by a Mets relief pitcher through his first seven major league games.
Recently optioned Brett Baty hit two home runs in Sunday’s game against Triple-A Syracuse, leading the Buffalo Bisons to a 7-1 win.
