Closer Billy Wagner, who is on the disabled list with a strained left forearm, might make a rehab assignment with the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones this weekend, according to interim manager Jerry Manuel.
Wagner, who said he felt fine after throwing before yesterday’s game 8-2 loss to the Marlins, is eligible to return a week from today.
With John Maine slated to come off the DL and pitch Wednesday, Manuel said the Mets have to determine some roster situations by that day. Manuel said Brian Stokes, who started Saturday’s game, might be moved to the bullpen.
If Stokes stays, the Mets might demote Eddie Kunz once Maine’s activated, or they might demote Carlos Muniz, who has a 5.40 ERA in 18 games and gave up two homers yesterday.
After a strong start, Argenis Reyes is slumping. He went 0-for-4 yesterday and is now hitless in his past 13 at-bats, dropping his average to .232.
Ryan Church is in Port St. Lucie starting baseball activity, with a rehab assignment to follow. . . . Hot-hitting rookie Daniel Murphy went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. Murphy is hitting .478 (11-for-23).
Today Pedro Martinez (3-3, 5.79 ERA) faces Pirates’ LHP Zach Duke (4-10, 4.43) in a makeup game from April 28. The probable pitching matchups for the Nationals series in Washington: tomorrow, Johan Santana (9-7, 2.85) vs. LHP Odalis Perez (5-8, 4.10); Wednesday, RHP Maine (9-7, 4.13) vs. RHP Jason Bergmann (2-8, 4.13); Thursday, LHP Oliver Perez (8-7, 3.90) vs. RHP Collin Balester (2-4, 4.66).