Mets dump starter Livan Hernandez

NEW YORK, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The New York Mets have released journeyman right-hander Livan Hernandez to make room on for left-handed reliever Billy Wagner.

Hernandez, 34, lost his last three starts, surrendering at least five runs in each while pitching no longer than 5 1/3 innings. His record was 7-8 with a 5.47 ERA in 23 starts (135 innings) following a 5-1 opening.

"I have the utmost respect for Livan," Mets Manager Jerry Manuel told Newsday. "I had a great relationship with him throughout. We just felt it was time to move in a different direction."

Wagner, 38, a former closer, was activated off the team's 60-day disabled list. He threw one inning in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Atlanta, his first major league appearance since Aug. 2, 2008, but retired 21 of the 24 batters he faced during a rehab stint.

He had elbow ligament replacement surgery last September.