Mets acquire lefty Williams from Reds

The New York Mets traded for their second pitcher in as many days, acquiring left-hander Dave Williams from the Cincinnati Reds Thursday for a minor leaguer.

The Reds, who designated Williams for assignment Saturday, also sent an undisclosed amount of cash to the Mets. Cincinnati got right-hander Robert Manuel in the deal and assigned him to Single-A Dayton.

The Mets sent reliever Jorge Julio to the Diamondbacks for Orlando Hernandez Wednesday, trying to upgrade the back end of their starting rotation. In his last start, Williams gave up six runs in three innings of Cincinnati’s 9-8 victory over Pittsburgh May 18. Williams was 2-3 with a 7.20 ERA in eight starts.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Manuel was signed by the Mets last year as a non-drafted minor league free agent. He went 8-1 with a 2.06 ERA in 12 games for the Mets’ rookie-level minor league team last season.

Rangers activate Kinsler

Former Spokane Indians infielder Ian Kinsler, who was hitting .476 when he dislocated his left thumb the second week of the season, was activated from the disabled list and back in the Texas Rangers starting lineup.

In 10 games on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma, Kinsler hit .256 with two home runs and six RBIs.

“It was more difficult going to Oklahoma than it was starting spring training,” Kinsler said. “Bam, I was in a game. I didn’t have time to work on my timing. Getting in games at Oklahoma helped me with that, and I feel ready to go.”