With the 13-pitcher roster limit set to begin Monday, veteran right-hander Tommy Hunter is looking to make his recent stint with the Mets more of a long-term stay.

Making his first appearance since the Mets signed him to a minor-league deal in April, Hunter, 35, appeared in Sunday’s 6-2 loss to the Marlins and provided some much-needed length out of the bullpen.

“Happy to be back. That’s why we play. Long, long long wait,” Hunter said after the game. “You lose a little bit of it and you’re not pitching in this type of a stadium, but it’s good to be back.”

The Indianapolis native gave up no hits or walks -- and an unearned run -- while striking out two in his 1.2 innings pitched. And although it wasn’t in any high-leverage situation, Hunter was happy with his appearance, emphasizing that he feels good after throwing 22 pitches and that he’s finally healthy.

“Good start for Tommy. I’m trying to pick the right spots to get him in there. Unfortunately it doesn’t always set up perfectly,” Showalter said after Sunday’s game. “Tommy, he ain't scared. I needed to get Joely [Rodriguez] out there, because he had three or four days off, and trying to keep him with the ball in his hands a little bit and that’s what Tommy’s here to do. He’s going to come in for the most part, throw it over and have some different looks.”

In his first few seasons, Hunter was a starter when he made his MLB debut in 2008, but has become a bullpen arm since 2013 where he’s racked up 402 innings with a 3.18 ERA. However, it’s been his health that has held Hunter back especially with the Mets.

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