The Mets are hopeful that Taylor Tankersley can be the answer to the lefty void in their bullpen.

The Mets signed Tankersley, 27, to a minor-league contract and offered the southpaw an invitation to spring training. Tankersley, who has been with the Marlins since 2006, missed 2009 with an elbow injury and after refusing a minor-league assignment last season was granted free agency.

The Mets are in need of lefty arms after Pedro Feliciano (Yankees) and Hisanori Takahashi (Angels) both left via free agency. Tankersley had a solid start to his career posting a 2.85 and 3.99 ERA in his first two seasons in Florida, but control troubles led to an 8.15 and 7.50 ERA in 2008 and 2010.