C.J.

Nitkowski

The Braves felt they had to keep Travis Smith for now, so Nitkowski, who had a 4.50 ERA in 22 appearances, is out of a job. He said he’ll become a free agent if he clears waivers.

Nitkowski, 40, reportedly threw ''well’’ during an audition with the Mets Thursday and could be signed as insurance for Tim Byrdak (knee). He hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2005.

There’s thought to be concern about the veteran left-hander’s health. Nitkowski, 39, sat out for the entire 2011 season and spent 2009 and 2010 pitching overseas.

It might just be a question of how healthy they think the lefty is, as David Lennon of New York Newsday reported Friday that the team was “still mulling over (Nitkowski’s) medicals.” The 39-year-old left-hander is trying to make a comeback after pitching overseas in 2009-10 and taking last year off.

The Mets could use some insurance for their bullpen now that left-hander Tim Byrdak will miss the start of the season following knee surgery, but DiComo writes that the club is in “no rush” to get a deal done. The 40-year-old Nitkowski hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2005, but is attempting a comeback with a new sidearm delivery.

Nitkowski also revealed that he’s worked out for several other teams. The veteran left-hander hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2005 and didn’t pitch for anyone last year after spending 2009 in Japan and 2010 in Korea. He’s hoping to make a comeback with a new sidearm delivery.

Mets’ pitching coach Dan Warthen and assistant general manager J.P. Ricciardi were present for his throwing session. Nitkowski, who turns 40 on Friday, has a 5.37 career ERA and hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2005 as a member of the Nationals. He’s looking to make a comeback after converting to a sidearm delivery.

The expectation is that a deal could happen soon, though he’s running out of time to be ready for the start of the season. The Mets need a lefty specialist with Tim Byrdak (knee) sidelined, but Garrett Olson, Chuck James and prospect Josh Edgin look like the favorites for the role right now.

Nitkowski announced the news via his Twitter account and the signing has since been confirmed by the team. The 39-year-old left-hander actually tried out for the Mets during spring training, but was not given a contract. However, he’ll now head to Double-A Binghamton in an effort to revive his career. Nitkowski hasn’t pitched with a major league affiliate since 2006 and hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2005.

Nitkowski hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2006, but was recently promoted to Triple-A Buffalo. The Mets view him as a potential “lefty one-out guy,” who could help fill the void left by Tim Byrdak (shoulder). In the short-term, Garrett Olson is providing left-handed bullpen depth. If Olson falters, Nitkowski or Robert Carson could be considered for a promotion.