Veteran southpaw C.J. Nitkowski hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2005, but the 39-year-old is hoping to to make a comeback tour with the New York Mets.

Mets.com reports Nitkowski has dropped down to a sidearm motion and after having pitched for three weeks in the Mets Double-A Binghamton affiliate, has been promoted to Triple-A Buffalo.

The journeyman pitcher was drafted as the ninth overall pick by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1994 Amateur Draft, coasting to eight different teams over his 10 year career - including a brief stint with the Mets in 2001, appearing in five games.

Since, he's made the rounds through minor league affiliates and played a bit oversees, the report says.

Nitkowski started a total of 44 games in the MLB career, but worked solely as a reliever in his last five years in the majors.

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