MLB

Manuel seeks relief for Mets bullpen

WASHINGTON — An overextended Mets bullpen could probably use another arm.

Manager Jerry Manuel planned to speak with team brass last night about the possibility of adding a seventh reliever, after the Mets emptied their bullpen yesterday in a 9-5 victory over the Nationals.

Bobby Parnell, Pedro Feliciano and Elmer Dessens have all received a heavy workload recently and that doesn’t include Francisco Rodriguez, who has worked three straight games.

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“We probably put ourselves in a position where we have to look at the relief situation and maybe add somebody or do something to bolster it,” Manuel said. “What we actually need is a day off [today]. Is it supposed to rain [today]?”

Manny Acosta could be an option to be called up from Triple-A Buffalo. The Mets also have former Yankees reliever Brian Bruney, who was signed to a minor-league contract on Friday.

If the Mets add another reliever, Josh Thole and Jesus Feliciano would be the leading candidates for removal from the roster.

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The new target date for Jose Reyes’ return to the lineup is tomorrow against the Reds at Citi Field. Manuel said Reyes (sore right side) took some light swings yesterday. The disabled list is not an option, according to the manager, because of the progress Reyes has made. Reyes has missed five games with the injury.

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Carlos Beltran played 7 2/3 innings in center field tonight for St. Lucie (A) against Charlotte. He went 1-for-2 with a single and a walk. He had two putouts. The stadium lights went out in the eighth inning and then the rains came. The game was suspended with St. Lucie losing 6-0. It will be resumed tomorrow.

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Manuel said he is “elated” with the way Angel Pagan has played. Pagan finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs and raised his average to .301 as the Mets await Beltran’s return. Manuel said he does not expect Beltran to join the team until after the All-Star break.

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Thole nearly got another start behind the plate yesterday after his solid performance Saturday, when he had two hits and drove in two runs, but Manuel is looking to get Rod Barajas going. Barajas entered yesterday’s play in a 9-for-56 (.161) skid, but finished with two hits yesterday.