Capuano Was Good, But Lincecum Was Better

The Mets lost to the Giants by a score of 3-1, and have allowed San Francisco to even up the series at one game a piece.

• Chris Capuano went six innings, giving up two runs on fours hits, while striking out five and walking four. Capuano's troubles were in the first inning when he got himself into a couple of bases loaded jams. The two runs allowed in the inning were the result of the Mets' defense botching two double play attempts. Capuano went on to pitch a very nice game, but he was let down by his defense in that first inning.

• Daniel Murphy drove in the Mets only run of the game in the first inning. Carlos Beltran scored on Murphy's double to right field. It was Murphy's 18th double of the season.

• The dynamic duo patrolling the middle infield for the Mets tonight, Ruben Tejada and Justin Turner, were unable to turn yet another double play in the seventh inning, allowing the Giants to score their third run of the game. The run was the first allowed by Bobby Parnell in his past 14.2 innings of relief.

Next up: The Mets play their final game before the All-Star break. Mike Pelfrey will get the start against Matt Cain and the Giants, tomorrow at 8:05 p.m.

Bring On Ace No. Two: Mets Ready To Go Against Lincecum

July 9, 2011

9:05 PM ET

AT&T Park, San Francisco

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Chris Capuano (8-7, 4.19 ERA)

Capuano hasn't fared well at AT&T park throughout his career. He is 0-3 with a 6.11 ERA in San Francisco. Overall against the Giants, he is 1-4 with a 5.31 ERA.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Starting Pitcher: Tim Lincecum (6-7, 3.14 ERA)

Lincecum struggled in his last start, going just five innings and giving up three runs on seven hits. He is 2-1 with a 3.07 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Pagan-CF, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Murphy-3B, Bay-LF, Duda-1B, Thole-C, Tejada-SS, Capuano-LHP

Mets Morning News: Good News On Ike, Giants Interested In Beltran

The Mets finally received some good news about Ike Davis' bruised left ankle, after the first baseman ran on a treadmill Thursday and Friday.

"I got a very, very good report today that the ankle is responding very, very well," Terry Collins said. "No discomfort. Of course, the big challenge will be when it is 100%, when he gets on the ground and starts running."

David Waldstein of the New York Times, has a nice feature story on Bobby Parnell and his ability to light up the radar gun.

He doesn’t have an exceptionally long arm, or powerful thighs, or a high-stress windup and delivery.

But somehow Parnell, the Mets’ new eighth-inning setup man, can do what all those great pitchers could do, and perhaps even a little more of it. Somehow he can discharge lightning bolts out of his hand in the form of a baseball traveling over 102 miles per hour.

According to the NY Post, the Giants may be interested in Carlos Beltran, and Beltran may not object to heading to San Francisco if it means reaching the postseason.

"I want to play baseball, have a chance to make the playoffs and win a championship," said Beltran, who has appeared in two postseasons, one with the Astros, the other with the Mets. "That's why you work hard your whole career to try and be in a position so you can win a World Series. That's my goal."

Mets Don't Fear The Beard

The Mets beat the Giants by a score of 5-2.

• R.A. Dickey seven innings, giving up two runs on seven hits, while striking out four. Even with a sore foot and pain in his left glute, Dickey had another well-pitched game.

• Angel Pagan got the Mets on the board in the fifth inning with a two run home run off Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong.

• Scott Hairston then put the Mets ahead for good in the ninth inning with a solo home run off All-Star closer Brian Wilson.

• Carlos Beltran and Nick Evans (yes, really, Nick Evans) had RBI singles in the ninth. It was Evans' first hit of the year, ending an 0-23 skid.

• If you weren't watching the game, after the third inning, Gary Cohen and Ron Darling swapped booths with Al Michaels and Bob Costas for a few innings. Michaels and Costas called the game for SNY, while Cohen and Darling went over to MLB Network. I hope this happens again soon. It was fun to listen to Michaels and Costas call a game.

Next up: The Mets send Chris Capuano to the mound to take on Tim Lincecum and the Giants. Game time is 9:05 p.m.

Mets Get Set to Face Giants All-Star Pitching

July 8, 2011

10:15 PM ET

AT&T Park, San Francisco

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: R.A. Dickey (4-7, 3.68 ERA)

Dickey left after the fifth inning in his last start with tightness in his left glute. He did well in those five innings, however, allowing one run on five hits, while striking out three and walking two. He is 0-1 with a 4.85 ERA against the Giants.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Starting Pitcher: Ryan Vogelsong (6-1, 2.13 ERA)

In seven home starts this season, Vogelsong is 3-1 with a 1.01 ERA. Vogelsong was selected to his first All-Star Game this season. Against the Mets, he is 1-0 with a 4.15 ERA.

METS LINEUP:

Pagan-CF, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Murphy-3B, Bay-LF, Duda-1B, Thole-C, Tejada-SS, Dickey-RHP

Mets Morning News: Secret Negotiations, K-Rod Believes Parnell Can Close

If you missed it, Jose Reyes was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday with a grade 1 hamstring strain.

Sandy Alderson told reporters on Thursday that it is likely that Jose Reyes will remain a met for the rest of the season. He also said the team was not in secret negotiations with Reyes' agents to try and re-sign the shortstop in-season. That's exactly what someone who was having secret negotiations would say.

Alderson had announced last month that he approached Reyes' agents to initiate extension talks and the shortstop's side preferred to have no in-season conversations.

"I'll give you a secret signal when the secret negotiations start," Alderson quipped.

More seriously, Alderson added about the June conversation: "We reached out. They respectfully declined, which I think was an appropriate response on their part. And so we honor that. There's nothing going on otherwise."

Even secretly?

"Even secretly," Alderson said. "Even super-secretly."

Francisco Rodriguez believes that Bobby Parnell has what it takes to be a successful closer one day.

"He can do it, and he knows it," said the man who own MLB's single-season saves record (62). "I love that kid. I talk to him a lot, and I love him. He's a guy who comes here every day trying to improve himself to get better and better. He definitely has the tools."

Mets End Their Four Game Winning Streak

The Mets lost their series finale with the Dodgers by a score of 6-0. Notice in the title of this post, it says the Mets ended their streak, not the Dodgers. It was their own doing. The Dodgers just happened to be on the right side of this mess.

• Dillon Gee was impressive through the first five innings, but then imploded in the sixth inning, allowing five runs. Gee's final line was 5.2 innings, giving up six runs on five hits, while striking out two and walking one. This is the second straight game in which Gee has been done in by one bad inning.

• The offense could do nothing against Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw.

• This was a sloppy game defensively. The Mets committed three errors in the game. Aside from the three errors, there was also the stumble by Carlos Beltran in the sixth inning which led to an RBI triple by Dioner Navarro. Then there was the mental mistake on the base paths from Ruben Tejada, who attempted to steal third base with two outs and down six runs, was almost thrown out to end the inning.

• Angel Pagan and Daniel Murphy each managed to get two hits off Kershaw.

• In his return to the Majors, Nick Evans went 0-3 with two strikeouts. That's not going to help you get playing time.

Next up: The Mets head to San Francisco to begin a three-game series against the Giants. R.A. Dickey will get the start. Game time is 10:15 p.m.

Mets Go For The Sweep In L.A.

July 7, 2011

10:10 PM ET

Dodgers Stadium, Los Angeles

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Dillon Gee (8-2, 3.47 ERA)

Aside from one bad inning, Gee was excellent in his last start, going seven innings against the Yankees. He is 0-0 with a 3.38 ERA against the Dodgers.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Starting Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw (8-4, 3.23 ERA)

Despite striking out ten batters in his last start, Kershaw allowed seven runs on nine hits to the Angels, for his fourth loss of the season. Against the Mets, he is 3-0 with a 1.85 ERA.

METS LINEUP:

Pagan-CF, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Paulino-C, Bay-LF, Murphy-3B, Evans-1B, Tejada-SS, Gee-RHP

Mets Officially Place Reyes On The Disabled List

Nick Evans has been called up to take Reyes' spot on the roster, and to sit on the bench until it's time to be designated for assignment again.

Reyes has been out with a grade 1 hamstring strain in his left leg. He suffered the strain running out a ground ball against the Yankees in last weekend's Subway Series.

His hamstring had not improved over the past few days, forcing the Mets to place him on the disabled list. He will be out until at least July 18.

This is something the Mets should have done immediately. I understand that they will be facing some tough opponents over the next week or so, but that's why there are 25 guys on a team. Somebody else will have to step up and help this team win.

If you're keeping track at home, Reyes will now miss his third All-Star Game because of injury.

Mets Morning News: Reyes To DL, Contract Negotiations, Breaking Records

It appears Jose Reyes will be placed on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain. According to Adam Rubin, Nick Evans has been called up from Triple-A Buffalo.

"We have to see what is going to be the best-case scenario for me," said Reyes, who leads the majors with a .354 average. "If I have to go (to the DL), if I really need to go, I have to do it."

A Little side note: This year's All-Star Game will be the third All-Star Game Reyes will have to miss because of injury.

According to Mike Puma of the NY Post, the Mets will begin secret negotiations to re-sign Jose Reyes during the season.

Last month, general manager Sandy Alderson announced he had reached out to Reyes' agent, Peter Greenberg, to begin dialogue, but was rebuffed. Reyes also indicated he wanted to focus on baseball and not contract issues. But one of the sources called the proclamations by Reyes and Alderson a likely "smokescreen" designed to protect the player and organization from dealing with daily questions about the negotiations.

By keeping discussions secret, the Mets would also protect Reyes from fan backlash should he reject an offer that might be deemed fair by the public, but under market value by Reyes’ camp.

As Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal points out, Justin Turner is on pace to set a new team record for getting hit by pitches.

On average, he has been hit once every 38.7 plate appearances. And if he continues to get plunked at that rate, assuming he remains in the starting lineup, he will set a Mets single-season record for baseballs absorbed by the human body. The current record of 13 belongs to Ron Hunt, who set it in 1963, and John Olerud, who tied it in 1997.

Mets Keep It Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

The Mets beat the Dodgers 5-3, and have now won four straight. The also moved to three games above .500.

• Jon Niese went seven innings, giving up three runs on five hits, while striking out six and walking one.

• Carlos Beltran went 2-5 at the plate with two runs scored. He lead off the fourth and sixth innings with his 25th and 26th doubles of the year. Beltran now leads the league in doubles.

• Lucas Duda doubled in the fourth inning to get the Mets on the board.

• The Mets had a three-run sixth inning. Beltran scored the first run on a wild pitch from Hiroki Kuroda. A few batters later, Ruben Tejada hit a two-run double to right field.

• Justin Turner added an insurance run in the ninth inning with an RBI single. Turner finished the night going 2-5.

• All five of the Mets runs were scored with two outs.

• Francisco Rodriguez recorded his 22nd save of the season.

Next up: The Mets close out their series with Los Angeles. Dillon Gee will take the mound for New York. Game time is 10:10 p.m.

Niese, Mets Go For Fourth Straight Win

July 6, 2011

10:10 PM ET

Dodgers Stadium, Los Angeles

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Jon Niese (7-7, 3.72 ERA)

Niese struggled in the first inning of his last start, giving up three runs to the Yankees. He went on to have five more scoreless innings. Against the Dodgers, he is 0-0 with a 4.76 ERA.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Starting Pitcher: Hiroki Kuroda (6-9, 2.90 ERA)

Kuroda allowed three hits in seven innings against the Angels in his last start. He is 1-4 with a 5.70 ERA against the Mets. 

METS LINEUP:

Pagan-CF, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Murphy-3B, Bay-LF, Duda-1B, Thole-C, Tejada-SS, Niese-LHP

Mets Morning News: Shopping K-Rod, Games Finished, & Reyes

According to the Daily News, Sandy Alderson has made it known to other teams that the Mets are shopping Francisco Rodriguez, Jason Isringhausen, and Tim Byrdak.

"They are really trying to move Isringhausen, and also Byrdak and K-Rod (before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline)," one of the sources said. "Those guys have pitched well, and they could help somebody."

Speaking of K-Rod, according to Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal, even Sandy Alderson is a little surprised by how often the closer has been used. K-Rod is on pace to finish 61 games this season.

"I've been a little surprised in some instances myself," general manager Sandy Alderson said, referring to how Collins has used K-Rod. "But that's his job. Am I aware of it? Yes. Do I spend my time counseling Terry on the proper care and feeding of K-Rod? No."

Jose Reyes did not run before Tuesday's game. According to Terry Collins, Reyes' strain in his left hamstring has not gotten any worse, but it was not feeling much better either.

Collins said the Mets will huddle with doctors Wednesday and again discuss whether the DL is an option. However, the manager is resistant because any 15-day DL stint -- which would include the four-day All-Star break -- would force Reyes to miss the second-half-opening series against Philadelphia at Citi Field. It may be preferable to play a man down through the weekend and have Reyes eligible for that series than DL him and have his potent bat out of the lineup against the division leader.

Bay's Two Homers Lift Mets Over Dodgers

In case you were wondering if the Mets could win without Jose Reyes, they can. The Mets beat the Dodgers Tuesday night by a score of 6-0, and have now won three games in a row.

• Mike Pelfrey went six innings, giving up five hits, while striking out two and walking two. I'm glad the Mets announced that Ronny Paulino will be Pelfrey's personal catcher for the foreseeable future. Whether Paulino is a better catcher for Pelfrey, or if it's all just a mental thing, it seems to be working.

• Jason Bay went 2-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored. He hit a solo home run in the sixth inning and a three-run homer in the eighth. Dare I say that Bay is finally getting back to his old ways at the plate?

• Carlos Beltran had a nice night at the plate as well, going 2-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Beltran hit his 13th home run in the fifth inning.

• Pedro Beato, Jason Isringhausen, and D.J. Carrasco all had a scoreless inning in relief.

Next up: The Mets send Jon Niese to the mound as they continue their series with the Dodgers. Game time is 10:10 p.m.

Which Pelfrey Will We See Tonight?

July 5, 2011

10:10 PM ET

Dodgers Stadium, Los Angeles

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey (4-7, 4.92 ERA)

Pelfrey was not good in his last start, going just 4.2 innings and walking a career-high five batters. He is 0-1 with a 4.80 ERA against the Dodgers.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Starting Pitcher: Ted Lilly (5-8, 4.97 ERA)

Lilly has struggled ins his last few starts. In his last three games, he's allowed 17 earned runs. He has also been battling elbow tenderness. He is 2-1 with a 3.52 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Pagan-CF, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Paulino-C, Bay-LF, Murphy-3B, Tejada-SS, Duda-1B, Pelfrey-RHP

Mets Morning News: Reyes Isn't Rushing, Injury Updates

Jose Reyes isn't about to rush back from his current hamstring strain. Reyes suffered a complete hamstring tear back in 2009 at Dodgers Stadium when he tried to play through a hamstring issue.

"I feel like I'm getting better every day, but I don't want to get on the field too soon, because I know what happened in 2009 when I tried to get on the field too soon. Right now I have to take my time."

Injury Updates:

Here are some injury updates, courtesy of the Star-Ledger.

Johan Santana threw from a mound for the second time without any issues.

"He threw another bullpen today, which is good," [Sandy] Alderson said. "Let's see how he feels tomorrow, and what the schedule is for the rest of the week. I think we're approaching that transition point. But Johan himself, and how he responds to these sessions, will dictate how quickly he progresses."

David Wright is continuing to show progress. He will not begin any rehab games this week, however, because he has not begun running.

According to Terry Collins, Ike Davis is "progressing better," after going home to Arizona to continue his rehab from a bone bruise in his left ankle. He is scheduled to run next week.

Mets Rally In Independence Day Win Over L.A.

The Mets were no-hit through the first five innings, but rallied in the sixth inning to beat the Dodgers by a score of 5-2.

• Chris Capuano went six innings, giving up two runs on six hits, while striking out five and walking two.

• Angel Pagan got the Mets on the board with an RBI double in the sixth inning, scoring Ruben Tejada. Carlos Beltran and Daniel Murphy also had RBI doubles in the inning.

• The Mets would go on to score two more runs in the eighth inning on back-to-back singles from Jason Bay and Lucas Duda.

• Bobby Parnell threw two perfect innings of relief. He lit up the radar gun at 101 in the seventh inning. Francisco Rodriguez allowed a lead off double, but settled down to record his 21st save of the season.

• There was a scary moment in the sixth inning as Bay ran into the left field wall, robbing Aaron Miles of an extra-base hit. That is the same left field wall Bay ran into last year which caused his concussion. Bay walked away from this current run-in unscathed.

Next up: The Mets continue their series against Los Angeles on Tuesday. Mike Pelfrey will take the mound against Ted Lilly and the Dodgers. Game time is 10:10 p.m.

Go West, Young Man: Capuano, Mets Take On The Dodgers

July 4, 2011

9:10 PM ET

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Chris Capuano (7-7, 4.27 ERA)

Capuano gave up three home runs in his last start, but still managed to get the win over the Tigers. Against the Dodgers, he is 2-3 with a 3.38 ERA.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Starting Pitcher: Rubby De La Rosa (3-3, 4.41 ERA)

De La Rosa went a career-high seven innings in his last outing. He allowed just one run to the Twins, but the offense couldn't back up his quality start. De La Rosa has never faced the Mets. 

METS LINEUP:

Pagan-CF, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Murphy-3B, Bay-LF, Duda-1B, Paulino-C, Tejada-SS, Capuano-LHP

NOTE:

According to Jon Morosi of FOXSports, the Mets signed right-handed pitcher Miguel Batista to a minor league deal. Why, you ask? Nobody knows.

Mets Morning News: Reyes, Reyes, & More Reyes

According to Joel Sherman of the NY Post, Sandy Alderson is considering making Jose Reyes a substantial offer in the offseason.

Alderson has not only been swayed by the MVP-caliber play of Reyes, but also in calculating the additional worth that would come by elating the fan base if Reyes could be retained and how much it would cost to replace a switch-hitter in his prime if Reyes left.

In other words, if the Mets surmise that Reyes is worth, say, five years at $100 million, is it worth it to go to, say, six years at $120 million or more and see that additional money as: 1) $10 million of advertising directed at the fans and 2) $10 million in peace of mind that they do not have to try to find replacements to make up for what would be lost, especially since they already know Reyes can play in New York and loves playing here.

In case you missed it yesterday, Reyes underwent an MRI to evaluate his left hamstring. He was diagnosed with a grade 1 hamstring strain, which is the least severe kind of strain.

"I just have to make sure I'm ready to go. I don't want to go into a game and play one or two innings and have to come out of the game. When I want to play I have to make sure my leg is going to be able to stay for a full game. ... But right now I'm looking forward to being in the lineup the next couple of days."

Reyes and Carlos Beltran were selected to this year's All-Star Game. Reyes overcame a nearly 245,000 deficit to beat out Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki as starter at shortstop.

Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling, and other members of the 1986 team will be helping Habitat for Humanity build new homes for those in need.

Darling is particularly proud that across the generation of Mets players, they have lent a hand with the program in the city.

"My two boys and I went down to New Orleans and worked with Habitat there and it was such a wonderful bonding experience for us. I really think it's a great program. What's great about the Mets doing this here in the city is that so often people only think of the people in ravaged areas; sometimes it's the families in your neighborhood that need help, the family down the street."

Bay To The Rescue, Mets Win In Walk-Off Fashion

It took ten innings, but the Mets were finally able to get a win out of this Subway Series. They beat the Yankees by a score of 3-2.

• With the bases loaded in the bottom of the tenth, Jason Bay had the game winning hit with a single to right field.

• R.A. Dickey went five innings before leaving with a tight left glute. I can't make this up, folks. Dickey allowed one run on two hits, while striking out three and walking two. He retired the first eight batters to start the game.

• Jason Isringhausen allowed the Yankees second run to score in the eighth inning. After giving up a triple to Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson drove him home on a sacrifice fly to right field.

• The Mets first run of the game was in the first inning on an RBI single off the bat of Daniel Murphy. Murphy finished the day going 3-4 at the plate.

• Facing Mariano Rivera with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Jason Bay drew a walk and advanced to second on a single by Lucas Duda. Ronny Paulino, pinch-hitting for Josh Thole, then singled to drive home Bay and tie the game. Ruben Tejada then reached on a fielding error by Ramiro Pena. Duda was waived home on the play and thrown out at the plate, sending the game to extra innings.

• The Mets announced that Jose Reyes has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, which according to Sandy Alderson, is the most benign strain. Reyes will be watched over the next few days, but as of right now, he will not be placed on the disabled list. It's not clear, however, when exactly he will play next. According to Alderson, they will see how he feels in next few days, and according to Terry Collins, he may not play until after the All-Star game. In other words...no one knows.

Next up: The Mets head west to take on the Dodgers. Chris Capuano will get the start for New York. Game time is 9:1o p.m.

Darryl Strawberry Pitches In For A Good Cause

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to speak with Darryl Strawberry briefly as he was signing autographs at Dutchess Stadium, home of the Hudson Valley Renegades (Short season single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Ray's).

Strawberry was on hand to help raise money for the Renegades' Pitch For Kids Fund which provides grants to non-profit organizations that help children and families throughout the Hudson Valley. The fundraiser also benefited the Poughkeepsie Professional Firefighters, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 596, which sponsors little league teams and other youth sports throughout the City of Poughkeepsie.

I could have asked Strawberry about the current Mets team, or his thoughts on the Subway Series, but I know I would have just gotten a canned response. Plus I was only allowed to ask him a couple questions.

Instead, I decided to ask him about his foundation which aims to raise money and awareness for people affected by autism.

For those who are unaware, autism is a big area of interest for me as I have a family member on the autism spectrum, and I also work with autistic students.

I know your foundation deals with the "Fight For Autism," how did you decide to go with autism as your focus? Has it affected you personally?

"No, it hasn't affected me personally. Not at all. I mean, I have five wonderfully, healthy children. My wife has three, so we have a total of eight. My wife's sister works with children with autism, and we went to visit them in '06 and it affected me then. That's when I realized that I needed to help. So, we basically took it up on our own to start a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization called the Darryl Strawberry Foundation, and started raising money for children affected with autism."

Before the game, you met with students and staff from the Anderson Center for Autism. How was the experience?

"Great. I'm right at home, because I've been doing it since '06, so it was just a very familiar place for me, it's not an unknown place for me. I love children with disabilities, children with autism, children that are affected by just about anything. I love them. I have compassion, true compassion, for the children affected with autism. Autistic children has become me and my wife's life and we are just truly greatful and blessed to know that we have the opportunity to be a part, to be a voice for them, and keep the message out there about children affected and diagnosed with autism."

For more on the Darryl Strawberry Foundation, click here.

Mets Try To Win At Least One Game In Subway Series

July 3, 2011

1:10 PM ET

Citi Field

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: R.A. Dickey (4-7, 3.77 ERA)

Dickey went seven innings in his last start against Detroit. He allowed three runs on ten hits, while striking out six and walking three. The last time Dickey faced the Yankees, he went six innings to get the win. Lifetime, he is 3-1 with a 2.39 ERA against the Yankees.

NEW YORK YANKEES

Starting Pitcher: Freddy Garcia (7-6, 3.28 ERA)

Garcia went six strong innings in his last start against the Brewers. He also has not allowed a home run in his last four games. That's longest he's been able to do that since 2002. In his career, he is 1-2 with a 2.61 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Pagan-CF, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Murphy-3B, Bay-LF, Duda-1B, Thole-C, Tejada-SS, Dickey-RHP

Mets Morning News: Reyes' Hamstring, Collins Q&A, and Pagan Will Leadoff

Jose Reyes left Saturday's game after the second inning with tightness in his left hamstring. That is not the same hamstring Reyes had surgery on in 2009.

"I felt something weird there. After I feel that I don't want to put pressure there because I feel if I put some extra there my hamstring is going to blow up. So I just, by that time, I wanted to come out of the game and take care."

Steve Serby of the NY Post sat down with Terry Collins for a Q & A.

Q: How devastated, or whatever the word is, will you be if you don't get to manage Jose Reyes next season?

A: I'll certainly be disappointed, because I enjoy watching him play so much, and being around him so much. His smile is contagious. When he walks on the field, his teammates, it's contagious to them how he plays. They look to him to set the stage here. But I will tell you, I'll be disappointed for a short period of time because the one thing I do know, and we've tried to prove this year, we can no longer worry about who's not here and who is here.

Angel Pagan will bat leadoff for the foreseeable future, and Ruben Tejada will take over at shortstop until Jose Reyes returns.

Willie Harris is expected to be activated from the bereavement list today after he and his wife lost their baby.