Piazza Hits Home Run in Rehab

Mike Piazza homered in his first game of a rehabilitation assignment, connecting for a two-run shot Thursday night for triple-A Norfolk in a 9-6 loss to Charlotte at Norfolk, Va.

The New York Mets put the All-Star catcher on the 15-day disabled list May 17 because of a severely strained right groin.

Piazza went one for four with a walk and scored two runs as the designated hitter. He struck out twice, then homered in the ninth inning.

Piazza walked his first time up, moved to second on a bloop single and scored on a bases-loaded triple by Matt Watson.

Piazza said his injured groin did not cause him any trouble on the bases.

“I’m glad to get on base and at least test it,” he said. “Even though it feels good and I’m running, there’s still a bit of tightness from lack of use.”

Barring any setbacks, the Mets plan to have him back in the lineup next week.

Also Thursday, the Mets activated right-hander Grant Roberts from the 60-day disabled list and returned catcher Joe DePastino to triple-A Norfolk.

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The Seattle Mariners recalled right-hander J.J. Putz from triple-A Tacoma to ensure they’d have a full bullpen until Armando Benitez joins the team. Benitez, acquired Wednesday from the New York Yankees for Jeff Nelson in an exchange of right-handed relievers, will join the team this weekend.

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The Milwaukee Brewers put third baseman Wes Helms on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right hamstring and purchased the contract of outfielder Mark Smith from triple-A Indianapolis.