Mets activate C Thole from DL, call up RHP Ramirez

NEW YORK (AP) - Josh Thole has been activated from the disabled list and the New York Mets‘ top catcher is back in the lineup following a concussion.

The Mets also called up right-hander Elvin Ramirez from Triple-A Buffalo to help in the bullpen. Backup catcher Rob Johnson was optioned back to Buffalo and right-hander Chris Schwinden was designated for assignment Friday.

Thole went on the disabled list May 8 after getting hurt in a collision at home plate. He was batting .284 with a homer and seven RBIs.

Ramirez had 35 strikeouts in 27 2-3 innings combined at Buffalo and Double-A Binghamton.

Johnson went 10 for 32 (.313) with an RBI for the Mets and even pitched a hitless inning in a blowout. Schwinden was 0-1 with a 12.46 ERA in three games, including two starts.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.