Mets add veteran righty Pop to bullpen

NEW YORK -- The Mets added another external piece to their bullpen on Saturday, signing veteran right-hander Zach Pop to a Major League deal. Pop joined the Mets in advance of their Subway Series game against the Yankees at Citi Field.

Pop, 28, last appeared for the Mariners in June, producing a 13.50 ERA over four appearances. He spent the previous four years with the Marlins and Blue Jays and has been highly effective throughout his Minor League career, with a 2.47 ERA over eight seasons.

After Pop allowed eight runs (seven earned) in a June 26 appearance, the Mariners outrighted the right-hander, who elected free agency. The Mets agreed to terms with him late this week and activated him Saturday, optioning Austin Warren to Triple-A Syracuse and designating Tyler Zuber for assignment.

Pop joins a bullpen that could use the help, with José Buttó on the injured list for the rest of the first half and other relievers shuttling back and forth from the Minors on a regular basis. The team has signed two Major League veterans over the past two weeks to support that staff, with Pop joining left-hander Richard Lovelady in the ‘pen.

Only four relievers remain from the Mets’ Opening Day roster: Edwin Díaz, Ryne Stanek, Reed Garrett and Huascar Brazobán. Two others, A.J. Minter and Danny Young, are done for the season.

Additional help is on the way in the form of left-hander Brooks Raley, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, but Raley won’t return until the second half of July.