CINCINNATI – Yesterday had encouraging news again for Pedro Martinez: 24 hours after his 2007 debut, he didn’t have any physical issues.
“Thanks to God, perfect,” he said.
Following Martinez’s day of exercise and playing catch, the anticipation is for his next start, slated for Sunday at Shea Stadium against the Astros. One question is how much deeper into the game or into his pitch count he’ll be allowed to delve.
Monday, Martinez fired 76 pitches (essentially his limit) over five innings. The number Sunday probably would be in the 80s, though neither Martinez nor Willie Randolph said he was sure.
Martinez will throw a bullpen session tomorrow. Three days later, he’ll debut at Shea to what should be a deafening reception.
“I think being at home with the fans is going to be probably a little emotional, especially the way the fans are with me,” Martinez said. “They’re crazy with me, I’m crazy with them, so it’s probably going to be a mutual feeling.”
Martinez said his workout yesterday will pale in comparison to what’s in store today.
*
Carlos Delgado‘s tenure as the Mets’ sixth hitter may be ending. Delgado last night against the Reds batted fifth for the third straight time (going 3-for-5), after hitting sixth for seven of his eight games before that. . . . Orlando Hernandez, who’s battling a sore tendon in his right foot, said he was improved. The righty’s been playing catch but hasn’t been running. According to Randolph, Hernandez remains slated to pitch sometime next week against either the Braves or Phillies. He hasn’t started since Thursday. . . . The Mets recalled Sandy Alomar Jr., giving them three catchers.
*
Billy Wagner said yesterday his tank was empty for last Thursday’s ninth inning in Philadelphia. That day he blew what would have been a two-inning save, losing 11-10.
Wagner had given up runs in five straight outings heading into last night, and the main issue now for the Mets, with Martinez having returned, is whether Wagner can find his All-Star form.
He recently was dealing with a tired arm, but yesterday said, “My arm’s fine. My arm’s not dead.”
*
Randolph, asked yesterday if the Mets have any MVP candidates, replied, “I haven’t even thought about that. . . . I’m just thinking about winning a championship.”
Randolph didn’t seem to think one Met was an overwhelming team MVP, mentioning Carlos Beltran‘s surges, David Wright‘s consistency and Jose Reyes‘ spark. Randolph also mentioned Wagner.