The Mets are juggling the roster to create a fuller bullpen.
After Tylor Megill was ineffective again Saturday, when he allowed four runs in 5 ⅓ innings, the righty starter, along with lefty Danny Young, was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.
Replacing the two were lefty Tyler Jay and righty Matt Festa as the Mets finished a series with the Astros at Citi Field.
Subtracting a starter and a tired reliever and adding two fresh relievers means the bullpen, which lacks the suspended Edwin Diaz, is back to a full eight members after a thin unit blew Saturday’s game.
Jake Diekman, Reed Garrett and Young combined to allow five runs in the eighth and ninth innings. Young was optioned after pitching back-to-back days.
The Mets will not need a fifth starter until Thursday, when they figure to call up Christian Scott or Jose Butto.
To create roster space, recent outfield pickup Duke Ellis was designated for assignment and Brooks Raley was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Diaz, who was suspended for sticky substances, is eligible to return Saturday.