CINCINNATI — The New York Mets got Jeff Conine from the Cincinnati Reds for two minor leaguers on Monday, adding a 41-year-old player who has two World Series rings and knows how to contribute off the bench.
Conine can play first base or outfield and is adept at pinch-hitting — he led the Reds with nine hits in that role. Conine is batting .265 overall with six homers and 32 RBIs.
"We've had our eyes on him for a while," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said.
The move came one day after the Mets put infielder Damion Easley on the 15-day disabled list with a severely sprained left ankle, the latest blow to the NL East leaders.
ANGELS ACTIVATE KENDRICK: The Los Angeles Angels activated infielder Howie Kendrick from the 15-day disabled list on Monday, making room by placing infielder Erick Aybar on the 15-day DL.
Kendrick is hitting .297 with four homers and 18 RBIs in 51 games for the Angels this season. He was placed on the disabled list July 14 because of a broken left index finger and missed 35 games. He also missed 32 games earlier in the year due to a broken left middle finger.
MARTINEZ IMPRESSIVE: Pedro Martinez allowed two unearned runs over five innings Monday in his most impressive outing since he began throwing after offseason shoulder surgery.
With Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson and bullpen coach Guy Conti in attendance, the right-hander struck out four and walked one in a rehab start with Class-A St. Lucie.
UTLEY UPDATE: All-star second baseman Chase Utley has been cleared to begin swinging a bat for the first time since he broke his hand in late July. Utley also got the green light Monday from hand specialist Dr. Randall Culp to begin throwing without a splint.
TIGERS' ZUMAYA ACTIVATED: The Detroit Tigers will recall Joel Zumaya from his rehabilitation assignment to be active for tonight's game against the Cleveland Indians.