Garrett Olson, the most likely candidate to claim the lefty specialist role in the bullpen until Tim Byrdak returns from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, suffered his own injury Sunday.

Pitching in a Double-A game, Olson was struck in the palm of his left hand with a comebacker. X-rays were negative, the team announced. Olson had tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings against the Jacksonville Suns before departing.

The Mets announced that Olson had suffered a bruise.

If Olson were not ready for the April 5 opener, Josh Edgin -- who has not pitched above Class A -- very likely would make the Opening Day roster. Even before Olson's injury, a team official said the organization had not resolved to take Olson over Edgin. Daniel Herrera also remains in camp. Chuck James was relocated to minor league camp last week.