NEW YORK – Seeking another option for their suspect bullpen, the New York Mets agreed with right-hander Al Reyes on a minor league contract Wednesday.

Reyes closed games for Tampa Bay last year, earning a career-high 26 saves in 30 chances. He was 2-4 with a 4.90 ERA in 61 appearances.

This season, the 38-year-old Reyes was on the disabled list twice with shoulder injuries, and Troy Percival served as Tampa Bay's primary closer before getting hurt.

Reyes went 2-2 with a 4.37 ERA in 26 outings before the Rays designated him for assignment Aug. 9. He was released on Monday after rejecting a minor league assignment.

New York sent Reyes to Double-A Binghamton and likely will bring him to the majors when rosters expand on Sept. 1.

“We'll see how he pitches, of course,” general manager Omar Minaya said. “At this point in time, like I told you guys yesterday, we're going to have to be looking for guys that are maybe not having their best years and hopefully a change of scenery type of thing (will help).”

Shaky in the bullpen all season, the Mets are missing All-Star closer Billy Wagner, who is out indefinitely with an ailing left elbow. The NL East leaders hope Reyes can help.

“It helps to be in a pennant race,” Minaya said. “He wanted to come over here and compete.”

Reyes gives the Mets three players with the same regal last name, joining speedy shortstop Jose Reyes and rookie second baseman Argenis Reyes.

Reyes means king in Spanish.

“We're going to be the kings of New York,” first baseman Carlos Delgado said with a smile.

Last month, Florida prosecutors dropped a case against Al Reyes, who was shocked with a Taser after a bar fight in April. He had been charged with being in a fight that disturbed the peace.

Police say the reliever – who was at a restaurant to celebrate his birthday – fell against a ceramic pot in a bar, got up and picked a fight with a man he thought pushed him. Reyes issued a public apology after the fight.

Reyes also has pitched for Milwaukee, Baltimore, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh, the New York Yankees and St. Louis during a 13-year career. He is 23-16 with a 3.82 ERA and 32 saves in 384 games.

In minor league rehab news, Mets right fielder Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) and second baseman Luis Castillo (strained left hip flexor) were scheduled to play Wednesday for Binghamton.

The Mets also completed Sunday's trade with Washington that brought reliever Luis Ayala to New York. In return, the Nationals claimed minor league infielder Anderson Hernandez as the player to be named.