PHOENIX — The return of Dedniel Nunez, who was expected to bolster the Mets' relief corps, lasted just one appearance.
The rookie right-hander returned to the disabled list Thursday with forearm tightness, a day after missing a relief appearance against the Diamondbacks.
Nunez returned from the disabled list and pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts against the Padres on Saturday, but said he felt discomfort in his forearm after returning to the team hotel.
He struggled to get loosened up after the Mets arrived in Arizona earlier this week and said he experienced discomfort with his curveball during pregame pitching practice on Thursday.
Nunez is expected to return to New York after the Mets' 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks and will undergo an MRI.
On Wednesday, when Nunez should have been used, manager Carlos Mendoza used Phil Mutton with the Mets leading by one run in the eighth inning.
Maton walked the leadoff batter and then got two outs, but Edwin Diaz was then called in to get the four-out save.
But Diaz collapsed in his second straight outing, walking two batters in the eighth before Corbin Carroll hit a game-winning grand slam.
Nunez has posted a 2.31 ERA in 25 appearances this season and has emerged as a key setup option for Mendoza.
The Mets also used Jose Butt at some of the most impactful positions.
“I'm a little annoyed [to go on the IL] “It's great after you come back and the adrenaline kicks in and you can do your job,” Nunez said through a translator, “but it's part of the process.”
Nunez's arm soreness has landed him on the disabled list since late last month, which is what prompted the Mets to acquire Ryne Stanek and Huascar Brazovan in trades before the trade deadline.
At the time, the Mets also had Reid Garrett and Sean Reid Foley on the disabled list, with Reid Foley still not returning and potentially ending his season.
The Mets made no roster changes following Nunez's latest appearance on the disabled list, but are expected to return to the 26-man squad on Friday when Tyler Megill is recalled from Triple-A Syracuse for the game against the White Sox.
Further bullpen additions will be made by Sunday, when the roster will expand to 28 players.
“[Nunez] “It's a big loss, but our guys are going to step up,” Mendoza said. “We've been doing that all year. Our guys are going to continue to take their chances and perform, and the guys that we have on this team are going to continue to get big outs.”
The Mets are 35-31 on the road this season and 35-33 at home.
