Mets add reliever Fernando Salas to bullpen in trade with Angels

The Mets bolstered their bullpen when they acquired righthanded reliever Fernando Salas from the Angels Wednesday night, just a few hours before the midnight deadline for waiver deals.

In exchange, the Mets sent minor-league righty Erik Manoah to the Angels. The Mets also moved outfielder Justin Ruggiano to the 60-day disabled list.

Salas, 31, is 3-6 with a 4.47 ERA in 58 appearances. He has also notched six saves for the Angels. But the righthander has pitched well of late, posting a 2.93 ERA with four saves since the All-Star break.

The Mets have been in the market for a reliever for much of the summer. But that need only grew with a bullpen that has withered under the weight of a heavy workload. Entering play yesterday, Mets relievers posted a 5.89 ERA since Aug. 11.

Salas should slot in behind setup man Addison Reed and closer Jeurys Familia. Manoah, 20, was a 13th-round draft pick in 2014. He was 5-5 with a 5.81 ERA with Class-A Brooklyn.

Matz in holding pattern

The Mets’ original plan called for Steven Matz to be just one day away from rejoining the starting rotation. Instead, on Wednesday, he was set to receive a second opinion on the impingement causing rotator cuff irritation in his left shoulder.

For now, general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters that there is no plan to shut down the ailing lefthander, even though manager Terry Collins reiterated that “we have no plans to start him in the near future.”

For now, the Long Island lefty appears locked in a holding pattern, his immediate future uncertain after pitching through much of the season with a painful bone spur in his left elbow.

“He is going to continue the rehab for a few days,” Collins said. “I do not know how long a period of time it will take. But he going to kind of keep playing catch a little bit to see if it loosens up.”

Jacob deGrom will rejoin the rotation on Thursday night. He will pitch on three days’ extra rest after a team-mandated hiatus to combat fatigue following two rough outings.

Reinforcements arriving

Michael Conforto will be among four September call-ups to arrive on Thursday, when roster expand.

“I’m going to find ways to try to get him in the lineup,” Collins said.

Catcher Kevin Plawecki, infielder Ty Kelly and righthander Gabriel Ynoa will also rejoin the team. A second wave of additions is expected on Monday.

Infielder T.J. Rivera is not yet eligible because 10 days must pass after his previous demotion to be eligible for a promotion.

Extra bases

Alderson did not rule out signing Tim Tebow after sending a scout to the ex-quarterback’s workout on Tuesday. But he acknowledged “there are some rough spots and deficiencies that you would expect from somebody that’s been away from the game.” . . . The Mets continued working on potential waiver trades for a reliever leading up Thursday’s midnight deadline.