Another lefty reliever in mix for Mets

Oliver Perez has some more competition for his supposed role in the Mets bullpen as  lefthander Tim Byrdak was signed to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

The 37-year-old Byrdak joins Taylor Tankersley, a recent signing, as part of a three-man tryout to become the lefthanded setup man.  

Byrdak had a  3.49 earned run average in Houston last season. Lefthanded batters hit just .213 against him.

The Mets owe $12 millon in salary to Perez and may have little choice but to release the failed starter if he does not win the bullpen job.