Garrett

Olson

Olson allowed just four hits and two earned runs in 7 1/3 innings this spring but wasn’t able to secure a lefty specialist gig in the Mets’ Opening Day bullpen. He’ll function as organizational relief depth.

Byrdak underwent surgery early last week to repair torn meniscus cartilage in his left knee. The veteran southpaw hopes to get back on a mound next week, but he’s cutting things really close to be ready for Opening Day. Garrett Olson would likely take his place as the lefty specialist if he needs some extra recovery time.

As expected. Byrdak is expected to miss approximately six weeks, so non-roster players Garrett Olson and Chuck James are suddenly the favorites to fill his spot as the team’s left-handed specialist. Daniel Herrera and prospect left-hander Robert Carson are also possibilities.

X-rays were negative and he was diagnosed with a hand contusion. Adam Rubin of ESPN New York wrote: “Josh Edgin default Opening Day lefty specialist?” If Olson and Tim Byrdak (knee), are not healthy enough to begin the regular season, he may be.

In other words, there’s nothing to worry about. Olson seems likely to make the Mets’ Opening Day roster as a left-handed relief specialist, edging out Josh Edgin.

Olson and prospect Josh Edgin are believed to be on Collins’ list of alternatives if the Byrdak injury becomes an issue. Likewise, Chuck James, Daniel Herrera and Robert Carson will all compete for spots in the Mets’ bullpen.

Byrdak underwent surgery two weeks ago to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, but he hopes to throw off a mound for the first time Wednesday. He won’t be ready for the start of the season, but the Mets are reluctant to include minor league left-hander Josh Edgin on the Opening Day roster if he’ll need to be sent right back down to the minors a few days later. Garrett Olson is a possibility to make the team if they want a lefty out of the bullpen on day one.

He doesn’t figure to be on the roster for long, though, as Tim Byrdak (knee surgery) hopes to return after the first four games of the season. Garrett Olson was previously considered the favorite to make the team as a left-handed specialist, but the Mets would prefer to have him open the season in Triple-A rather than expose him to waivers once Bydrak is ready.

Olson has been a complete bust in the majors, going 14-22 with a 6.14 ERA in 103 appearances -- 44 starts -- with the Orioles, Mariners and Pirates. He’s likely to operate as a long reliever in the minor leagues.

He’ll give the Mets a second lefty out of the bullpen alongside rookie Josh Edgin. Olson, 28, has a 4.56 ERA and 94/51 K/BB ratio over 108 2/3 innings this season in Triple-A. He appeared in four games with the Pirates last season and holds an ugly 6.14 ERA in the big leagues. No word yet on the corresponding roster move.