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          New York Mets

          Byrdak joining Mets

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterJan 21, 2011, 09:46 AM ET
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          Christopher Szagola/Icon SMI

          Tim Byrdak signed a minor league deal with the Mets.

          Left-handed reliever Tim Byrdak has signed with the Mets on a minor league deal.

          Byrdak, 37, is expected to compete with Taylor Tankersley for a left-handed relief role.

          Byrdak went 2-2 with a 3.49 ERA in 64 relief appearances spanning 38 2/3 innings with the Houston Astros last season. Left-handed batters hit .213 against him, as opposed to right-handed batters, who hit .333.

          He also has pitched with the Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers.