Mets finally reinstate key free-agent signing from injured list

The New York Mets are designating reliever T.J. McFarland for assignment, general manager Billy Eppler told reporters (including Tim Healey of Newsday). The vacated roster spot will go to José Quintana, who is being reinstated from the 60-day injured list.

McFarland signed a minor-league pact with New York over the winter. He spent the bulk of the season with Triple-A Syracuse, posting a 2.76 ERA through 32 2/3 innings. The veteran southpaw issued a few too many walks, but struck out over a quarter of opponents and induced grounders at a massive 62.8 percent rate. The Mets added him to the MLB roster late last month.

New York only used McFarland three times before Friday’s DFA. He’ll now be traded or waived within the next week. McFarland struggled to a 6.61 ERA across 32 2/3 frames for the Cardinals last season but posted a strong 2.56 mark the year prior. He has always been adept at keeping the ball on the ground and had good enough minor-league numbers to potentially attract interest from another club.

Quintana is tabbed for next Wednesday’s start against the Chicago White Sox, tweets David Lennon of Newsday. His club debut is still a little less than a week off, but the Mets had to activate him Friday. Pitchers are allotted 30 days on a rehab stint. Quintana began his minor league work on June 13, leaving New York to make the roster move a few days earlier than when they plan on pressing the veteran southpaw into action.

Signed to a two-year free agent contract over the offseason, Quintana was delayed by a spring training rib injury that required surgery. He posted a 2.93 ERA in 32 starts between the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals last season.