CINCINNATI – Orlando Hernandez survived a bullpen session yesterday, and the Mets right-hander said the sore tendon in his right foot is improving.
“I feel better,” El Duque said. “No pain.”
Hernandez, who hasn’t pitched since last Thursday and who won’t return till sometime next week, said he’ll throw another bullpen session tomorrow or Saturday.
“I think I’m ready for my next start,” he said.
Jose Reyes yesterday sat out for the second time this season. Ruben Gotay got the start at shortstop, with Reyes on the bench resting.
“It was nice,” he said. “Sometimes you’re going to feel tired.”
Reyes had been slumping lately; on the just-finished 10-game road trip, he produced six hits in 38 at-bats, a .158 average. He said he’ll be ready to go tomorrow against the Astros at Shea.
Gotay went 0-for-3 with a walk in the 7-0 loss to the Reds.
Philip Humber was recalled last Saturday, and yesterday the righty appeared in the majors for the first time this season. Humber pitched the seventh and eighth innings, allowing a run on three hits.
He pitched twice last year in relief for the Mets, tossing two hitless frames.
Willie Collazo made his major league debut in the fifth inning, relieving John Maine. The 27-year-old left-hander threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk.
Carlos Beltran walked and singled yesterday and has reached base in 22 straight games. The last time he didn’t was Aug. 12. … Pedro Martinez will throw a bullpen session today. He remains slated to pitch Sunday afternoon against Houston and could perhaps get up to 90 pitches after throwing 76 in his first outing, Monday against the Reds.
Pitching matchups for the Astros series: tomorrow, Mike Pelfrey (1-7, 5.43 ERA) vs. LHP Wandy Rodriguez (8-12, 4.49); Saturday, Tom Glavine (12-6, 4.06) vs. RHP Woody Williams (8-13, 4.95); Sunday, Martinez (1-0, 3.60) vs. RHP Roy Oswalt (14-6, 3.35).