PHOENIX _ Seeking another option for their beleaguered bullpen, the Mets signed right-handed reliever Neil Ramirez to a major-league contract on Tuesday.
The Mets also placed shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera on the 10-day disabled list. Cabrera has been playing through soreness in his left thumb since injuring it on a dive on May 6.
Ramirez, 27, will be available for Tuesday night's game in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks. The signing comes with the Mets in the midst of a five-game losing streak, partly because the team's relievers are wilting under the weight of a heavy workload.
In nine appearances with the Giants this season, Ramirez has allowed 10 runs in 10 1/3 innings (8.71 ERA), though he has struck out 18 batters while walking just four. The Blue Jays claimed Ramirez off waivers, but designated him for assignment before he pitched in a game.
Ramirez rejected an outright assignment and became a free agent. He has a career 3.72 ERA in 96 appearances over the last four seasons, with most of them coming with the Cubs. His best season came in 2014, when he had a 1.44 ERA in 43 2/3 innings out of the bullpen.
At the very least, Ramirez provides a fresh arm for a Mets bullpen that has paid dearly for a starting rotation that is averaging less than five innings per start in May.
Of the 10 National League relievers who have made at least 20 relief appearances this season, four are in the Mets bullpen. Addison Reed, Hansel Robles and Fernando Salas have each pitched in 20 games while lefty Jerry Blevins leads the NL with 22 appearances.
