Jordany Valdespin blasted a three-run homer in the ninth inning Tuesday, powering the Mets to what should have been a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the Nationals.

But Bobby Parnell and the rest of the Mets bullpen were unable to finish the job. Valdespin was pinch-hitting for Jason Bay, and fell behind in the count 1-2 before delivering the critical blow off the usually-reliable Tyler Clippard. Valdespin has displayed impressive power in limited at-bats this season, hitting .269 (21-for-78) with five homers and 18 RBI.

Mets optioned INF Jordany Valdespin to Triple-A Buffalo.

With Ruben Tejada activated for the disabled list, New York no longer had at-bats for Valdespin. In addition, the club didn't want to risk losing Omar Quintanilla or Ronny Cedeno on waivers. Valdespin slugged .429 over 63 at-bats, a promising show of pop, though the 24-year-old struggled to make contact (.222 BA) or get on base (.246 OBP). He should be back in a utility role later this summer.

Mets recalled INF Jordany Valdespin from Triple-A Buffalo.

Valdespin is 2-for-20 in 15 games with the Mets this season. He's doubtful to hold any level of fantasy value.

The Mets are expected to recall infielder/outfielder Jordany Valdespin from Triple-A Buffalo.

He'll take the roster spot of Ronny Cedeno, who is headed to the disabled list with a calf injury. Valdespin is 2-for-20 (.100) with a homer in 15 games with the Mets this season and will split playing time with Omar Quintanilla at shortstop.

Mets optioned INF Jordany Valdespin to Triple-A Buffalo.

Valdespin has already been up and down several times this season. He's hitting just 2-for-20 (.100) in 15 games with the Mets. Jeremy Hefner has been promoted in a corresponding move.

Mets recalled INF Jordany Valdespin from Triple-A Buffalo.

He'll take the place of the injured Ruben Tejada (quad) on the active roster. Valdespin went 0-for-6 in his first stint with the Mets this season. He likely won't play enough to warrant consideration in fantasy leagues.

Mets optioned INF Jordany Valdespin to Triple-A Buffalo.

Valdespin was recalled a few weeks ago to provide depth on the Mets bench and went hitless in his six at-bats. Still just 24 years old, he'll resume his everyday role with Triple-A Buffalo and should be back with the Mets at some point during the season.

Mets recalled INF Jordany Valdespin from Triple-A Buffalo.

He and Jeremy Hefner swapped spots for the second game of Monday's doubleheader. Valdespin was batting just .276/.321/.368 this season at Buffalo, but he'll give some infield depth while Ronny Cedeno is out.

Jordany Valdespin has only been called up to New York in case he is needed in the second half of Monday's back-to-back doubleheader against the Giants.

Jeremy Hefner, a right-hander, has also been called up for emergency purposes. Valdespin, 24, is batting just .276/.321/.368 this season at Triple-A Buffalo.

Jordany Valdespin's agent told ESPN's Enrique Rojas that his client has been called up from Triple-A Buffalo.

The 24-year-old was batting just .276/.321/.368 in 81 plate appearances this season at the Triple-A level, but he is a superb athlete and even saw some action in center field this spring in the Grapefruit League. Valdespin will act as a utilityman for the third-place Mets if he's ultimately added to the active 25-man roster.

Mets optioned INF Jordany Valdespin to Triple-A Buffalo.

Valdespin posted a cool .310/.340/.452 batting line this spring in the Grapefruit League, but the Mets want him to get regular playing time and it wouldn't have been available in New York. The 24-year-old outfielder should be up in the big leagues at some point this summer.