New York manager Jerry Manuel expects Jose Reyes to return to the lineup when the Mets open a three-game series at the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday, July 19, 2010.
Reyes hasn't played since Saturday, July 10, in a 4-0 loss against the Atlanta Braves because of a right oblique strain that has limited his ability to bat from the left side.
Reyes on the Mend from Sore Side
The all-star shortstop is one of the top lead-off hitters in the game and has turned a slow start into another outstanding season. He's hitting .335 since May 20 and has raised his average to .275 from .210.
Reyes took batting practice during the Mets' four-game series against the Giants in San Francisco over the past weekend and Manuel was confident his name would reappear in the lineup card when the scene shifts to Phoenix.
The Mets struggled in San Francisco, suffering back-to-back shutouts and dropping the first three games of their series to the Giants.
Reyes, a prime instigator for the offense, has a .302 batting average from the lead-off spot and the Mets are 30-9 when he scores a run.
Mets will go with Pelfrey Against Arizona
Right handed pitcher Mike Pelfrey, who had his start pushed back two days because of stiffness in his neck, will also make his first appearance since July 10 when he takes the mound against the Diamondbacks.
Pelfrey, who went through a light session before Sunday's series finale against the Giants, is still looking for his first career victory over Arizona. He's 0-4 with a 5.22 ERA in five starts against them, including An 0-3 mark with a 7.16 ERA in three starts at Chase Field.
Manuel said that despite Hisanori Takahashi's poor outing Saturday, he'll make his regularly scheduled start Thursday at Los Angeles. Takahashi never made it out of the third inning, allowing six runs on seven hits in his loss to the Giants.
"He's struggled but he's also pitched some big games," Manuel said. "We're not ready to pull back yet. We're not down on him. He needs to continue to settle down and get better."
Perez to Join the Mets as a Member of the Bullpen
Left-hander Oliver Perez was expected to rejoin the team on Monday as well, but Manuel said the move was unrelated to Takahashi's situation. Perez will be used out of the bullpen.
"Ollie could be important to us," Manuel said. "I still think that as a reliever he can offer us something."
Perez pitched into the seventh inning in his last rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, allowing three runs and striking out seven.
"I'd probably like to see his velocity better but it's my job to put him into situations where he could have some success," Manuel said. "As I see it, he'll be in the bullpen."
Addition of Castillo Good for Mets Depth Chart
Manuel also infielder Luis Castillo should be back with the team "sometime before we get to Los Angeles." There's a likely chance that he will take the spot of rookie catcher Josh Thole, who has five hits in six at bats as a pinch hitter.
"He gives us offense back there but you have to be careful in creating situations where there's not continuity at that position," Manuel said. "He's certainly down a good job when he plays and he gives you a good at bat but Rod (Barajas) is our guy."
The Mets slipped into third place in the competitive National League East Division over the weekend are are looking for ways to stay in contention with the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves.
The return of Reyes, the veteran Castillo and a healthy Perez combine to give the Mets a good start toward their goal.
Rick Eymer - I have written for The San Mateo Times, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat and am currently working part-time as an assistant sports editor at ...
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