Billy Wagner can’t return to the Mets fast enough, and all indications are he’ll be activated from the disabled list on the first day he’s eligible (Monday), a team source indicated yesterday.
Though no official announcement has been made, Wagner is expected to test his strained left forearm in at least one rehab appearance for Single-A Brooklyn over the weekend.
That leaves the Mets with potentially six games in which somebody other than Wagner will have to be the closer. Aaron Heilman has all but been removed from that mix with yesterday’s ninth inning meltdown that led to the Mets’ 7-5 loss to the Pirates at Shea Stadium.
Eddie Kunz may assume closing duties tonight in Washington.
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With John Maine scheduled to return from the DL for tomorrow’s start in Washington, the Mets will have to make a roster move. Jerry Manuel said pitcher Brian Stokes, who started Saturday’s game against Florida, won’t necessarily be demoted.
“[Stokes] will definitely be a guy that’s a candidate to back up if there are any other problems physically with John Maine,” Manuel said. “I thought he pitched well enough Saturday to be a consideration for the bullpen as well. He would also be a guy that we would consider if we feel guys need an extra day, to be a sixth starter.”
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Ramon Castro still has a sore right ankle, but Manuel doesn’t anticipate the catcher will need a disabled list stint. Robinson Cancel started yesterday behind the plate and hit his first major league homer.
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Pitching matchups for the Washington series: tonight – LHP Johan Santana (9-7, 2.85 ERA) vs. LHP Odalis Perez (5-8, 4.10); tomorrow – RHP Maine (9-7, 4.13) vs. RHP Jason Bergmann (2-8, 4.13); Thursday – LHP Oliver Perez (8-7, 3.90) vs. Collin Balestar (2-4, 4.66).