"I can read about him," manager Jerry Manuel said of the scouting reports on Ayala, "but I'd rather watch him."

Ayala, 30, had a 1-8 record and 5.77 ERA in 62 appearances with Washington. He is excited about the chance.

"Whatever they want," said Ayala. "I'm just happy to be here in this organization and have a chance to win."

To make room for Ayala, the Mets optioned closer prospect Eddie Kunz to Class AAA New Orleans.

"Unfortunately for him, he wasn't consistent," Manuel said. "He had problems not getting consistent work."

PIRATES 5, METS 2: John Maine pitched five scoreless innings, but with 96 pitches he clearly was not sharp. The Mets had runners on second and third with no outs in both the first and fourth innings, but managed just single runs.

Brian Stokes, who pitched four scoreless innings in relief of Maine on Wednesday, didn't have the same luck as he gave up a two-run homer to Adam LaRoche in the sixth.

The Pirates scored three in the eighth off relievers Pedro Feliciano, Duaner Sanchez and Joe Smith.

With the loss, the Mets concluded their road trip at 6-1.