NEW YORK -- Billy Wagner was available to pitch for the New York Mets on Wednesday night against Philadelphia after missing the previous game with a sore left shoulder.
Without the All-Star closer, New York's makeshift bullpen blew a three-run lead in the ninth inning Tuesday night and lost 8-6 to the Phillies. The defeat cost the Mets a chance to take over sole possession of first place in the NL East.
Wagner played long toss from about 250 feet and threw in the bullpen before Wednesday night's game to test his shoulder.
"I'm going tonight," he said about 75 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. "Give you all something to write about."
Wagner felt tightness in his pitching shoulder while warming up before the 10th inning Sunday in Cincinnati. He was visited on the mound by manager Jerry Manuel and a trainer before striking out the side for his 24th save in 30 chances.
The left-hander was examined Monday and had an MRI exam on Tuesday morning at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Tests showed he had muscle spasms around the shoulder joint, and Wagner said the Mets' medical staff advised him to sit out Tuesday night's series opener against Philadelphia.
"I woke up this morning and it felt better," he said Wednesday.
Wagner, who turns 37 on Friday, said doctors told him that the problem in his shoulder was simply a result of throwing hard his entire career.
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