MET NOTES
Bobby Jones understands the situation. Not only is he scheduled to be on the disabled list until next Tuesday with strained right calf muscle, but his numbers thus far have not been where he wants them to be.
The 30-year-old Jones is 0-1 with a 16.20 ERA and has pitched only 62/3 innings in three starts this year.
So if GM Steve Phillips wants him to go on a rehab stint in the minor leagues, Jones, the Mets No. 4 starter, is willing.
“If they asked me to do it, I wouldn’t say no,” Jones said. “It might be a good thing after having the time off to go down and have a game when I don’t have any pressure and I can work on things.”
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Rick Reed was frustrated as he tried to put on his glove yesterday. When he went to the bullpen to throw off the mound, he could only catch short tosses from pitching coach Dave Wallace, not real major-league throws. So although Reed’s sprained wrist is getting better – he moved from a brace to a wrap yesterday – he still is unlikely to take his mornal turn tomorrow.
“Remote,” said Wallace of the chances. “He just can’t open his glove yet.”
Earlier in the week, Bobby Valentine was hopeful that Reed could start tomorrow, but it is likely he will have to pencil him for Saturday in Colorado.
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For the second consecutive week, a Met won the NL Player of the Week award. Derek Bell earned it this past week for amassing 14 hits and a .609 batting average, two homers and eight runs batted in. Mike Piazza won the award the prior week.
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Al Leiter returned to the team yesterday after his wife gave birth in Florida on Friday. Leiter threw at Port St. Lucie to stay on course for his start tonight … Darryl Hamilton – on the DL with a sprained left foot – said that he hasn’t ruled out more surgery. The 35-year-old Hamilton still can’t run because of the pain.