Mets take flyer on Aardsma

The New York Mets signed pitcher David Aardsma to a minor league contract on Monday and assigned the right-hander to Triple-A Las Vegas.

The 31-year-old Aardsma made one appearance with the New York Yankees last season after recovering from elbow ligament replacement surgery.

After being designated for assignment by the Yankees in March, Aardsma joined Miami's Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans. He went 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in 10 games before being released by the Marlins on May 15.

Prior to the procedure that wiped out his 2011 season, Aardsma served as the Seattle Mariners' closer for two years. The Rice product complied 38 saves in 2009 and 31 the next year.

Aardsma is 13-15 with a 4.22 ERA in 255 career relief appearances. He has also pitched for the Giants, Cubs, White Sox and Red Sox.