The New York Mets are bolstering their outfield depth.
On Friday, the Mets signed veteran outfielder Rafael Ortega to a minor league deal, according to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors.
Ortega has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.
Ortega was with the New York Yankees in Spring Training after signing a minor league deal with them last winter. But when he didn't make the Opening Day roster, he requested and was granted his release from the team.
Ortega signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers after leaving the Yankees. In 44 games for their Triple-A affiliate, Ortega slashed .226/.333/.381 with 5 home runs and 26 RBI.
The 32-year-old was released from the organization on June 4.
Last season, Ortega slashed .241/.331/.358 with 7 home runs and 35 RBIs in 118 games for the Chicago Cubs.
The Mets are paper thin in the outfield department at the upper levels of the minor leagues. By adding Ortega, it gives them an outfielder with big-league experience in case someone gets hurt at the major league level.
The Mets are 32-36 on the season after splitting the Subway Series with the Yankees earlier in the week. New York will take on the St. Louis Cardinals for a three-game series over the weekend.