MET NOTES
Although he was in New York this week, Anderson Hernandez apparently won’t get a September call-up, Willie Randolph said yesterday.
Hernandez, a second baseman whose season just ended at Triple-A Norfolk, was in town getting his wrist examined, Randolph revealed before last night’s 6-3 loss to the Nationals.
Unless the Mets change their thinking, Hernandez won’t be recalled, a team official confirmed late last night. Randolph and GM Omar Minaya will discuss the issue and likely put it to rest today.
“I don’t think it’s gonna happen now,” Randolph said before the game.
Hernandez batted .326 in Double A and .303 with the Tides. Problem is, the 22-year-old isn’t on the 40-man roster. The Mets would need to get rid of some of their deadwood first.
“I know that’s part of the issue,” Randolph said. “But I haven’t pushed either way to get that done, or I don’t know if Omar’s looked into how to get that done.
“Right now the way [Miguel] Cairo and Kaz [Matsui] have held the position down this year, they deserve to finish up the year,” Randolph said.
Matsui extended his hitting streak to a career-high 10 games with a first-inning triple. He scored the team’s first run and singled and scored again in the fourth.
He’s batting .410 (16-for-39) with seven runs, three doubles, three triples, two steals and one RBI in that span.
Randolph wasn’t sure how long Hernandez would be in town.
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Before the game, Randolph met with a number of players individually in the manager’s office. The Mets have lacked focus lately, and some players may be trying to do too much.
Randolph preferred that to a team meeting because that way you get their “undivided attention.”
“I just wanted to make sure they heard what I had to say,” he said. “That’s all.
“A lot of it was stuff that was specific about certain things, but I’ve done that all year.
“It’s no big deal. I’m always trying to help my players in some way to get the most out of their abilities.”
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Cliff Floyd (left hamstring) returned to the starting lineup last night, as did Mike Piazza (concussion, left hand). Floyd was 1-for-4 and Piazza was 0-for-4.
Piazza won’t play today, and Floyd isn’t sure.
“If my body allows me to go out there, I will,” Floyd said.
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WILD-CARD RACE
TEAM REC GB
Marlins 78-68 –
Phillies 78-68 –
Astros 77-68 1/2
Nationals 75-71 3
Brewers 72-73 5 1/2
Cubs 72-74 6
Mets 71-74 6 1/2