John Maine expects to make a minor league rehab appearance this weekend, and then could be thrust back into the Mets’ rotation.
After Maine threw about 30 pitches in a simulated game yesterday at Citi Field, manager Jerry Manuel said he could envision the rigsht-hander back in the rotation soon — with Hisanori Takahashi shifted to the bullpen.
“We like Takahashi as a pitcher,” Manuel said before the Mets faced the Padres last night. “[But] we think we have lost something in the bullpen when he’s a starter, so that’s a scenario that could work if and when John Maine is healthy and we feel he’s ready to be part of the rotation.”
Maine, who was placed on the disabled list last month with shoulder tendinitis, said he’ll probably throw another simulated game today or tomorrow before heading out for a minor league appearance.
Maine’s biggest concern is rust.
“I want to feel good [physically],” he said. “But I want to feel good about my pitches.”
* According to a league spokesman, the commissioner’s office is satisfied with the Mets’ explanation for placing Oliver Perez on the disabled list. MLB had requested Perez’s medical information to ensure the Mets hadn’t concocted a bogus injury for the putrid lefty after his refusal to accept a minor league assignment. Perez [patellar tendinitis] was placed on the DL on Saturday.
* Jesus Feliciano arrived from Triple-A Buffalo and was hoping he’d get an opportunity last night to come off the bench and make his major league debut.
The 31-year-old rookie, who was hitting .385 at Buffalo, appeared in 1,271 minor league games and 22 in the Mexican League before getting called to the big leagues by the Mets.
“I don’t feel like I’m nervous because I’ve been waiting for this for so long,” Feliciano said.
Manuel indicated that Feliciano could factor into the equation starting Friday in Baltimore, where the Mets will need a DH. The Mets will play nine straight games in AL parks and Manuel would like to give many of his regulars, including Jason Bay and Jeff Francoeur, a turn at DH.
* The Mets have decided to flip-flop Jon Niese and R.A. Dickey in the rotation. Niese will now pitch tomorrow against the Padres and Dickey will start Friday in Baltimore.
* Johan Santana has pitched 15 2/3 straight scoreless innings, but doesn’t have anything to show for it, with no-decisions at Milwaukee and San Diego. The Mets co-ace will get the ball tonight hoping some home cooking will get him a victory. Santana is 4-1 with a 2.79 ERA in six starts at Citi Field this season.
* Carlos Beltran took batting practice yesterday in Port St. Lucie, as he continues his rehab from arthroscopic knee surgery.