SAN FRANCISCO — Neil Walker is back — for now.
The Mets second baseman returned to the starting lineup Saturday after missing the previous four games with lower back stiffness, but soon will be facing another absence.
Following Sunday’s game, Walker plans to fly home to Pittsburgh for the birth of his first child, a daughter. Walker’s wife Niki plans to be induced Monday — six days after the due date — and Walker then would be placed on the paternity list. He expects to rejoin the Mets on Friday when they return home.
“I got challenged pretty good today. Scored from second twice and dove two or three times and everything was good,” Walker said after the Mets beat the Giants, 9-5, at AT&T Park. “I’ve had it before so I kind of know where I am after the first couple of swings, especially after the first couple of dives and moving around.”
Jim Henderson was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to give the Mets a fresh bullpen arm. Erik Goeddel, who allowed a run in one-third of an inning Friday, was optioned. The 33-year-old Henderson was 1-2 with a 4.26 ERA in 31 appearances for the Mets before going on the disabled list in June with shoulder discomfort.
“He threw the ball very well until his shoulder kind of started acting up,” manager Terry Collins said. “His velocity is back to where it was when we left spring training, which is a big part of his game. He’s a power pitcher and right now our bullpen could use a fresh arm.”
Yoenis Cespedes’ multi-homer game was the eighth of his career. His last had occurred on Aug. 21 of last season, when he hit three in Colorado.
Curtis Granderson’s home run Friday night put him on a short list of Mets who have hit at least 20 in each of their first three seasons with the club.
Gary Carter, Darryl Strawberry, Kevin McReynolds, Mike Piazza, Robin Ventura and Carlos Delgado each accomplished it.
The Mets are 71-for-215 (.330) at the plate through the first six games of this road trip with 10 home runs.