SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Mets’ farm system is more than the Jenrry Mejia show.
So claims general manager Omar Minaya, who yesterday said his efforts to potentially acquire another starting pitcher before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline won’t be affected by Mejia’s recent physical setback.
Mejia, 20, was diagnosed with a posterior cuff strain yesterday, a day after he was removed from his start for Double-A Binghamton for precautionary reasons. Minaya said it “won’t be long” before Mejia is cleared to begin throwing again.
But will that be too long for a team that aspires to remain in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes? The Mariners are believed ready to move their ace lefty, and it’s no secret Mejia is a coveted prospect.
“We’re not about one prospect only,” Minaya said before the Mets lost to the Marlins, 10-3.
* Angel Pagan is anxious to show off in front of his countrymen, but not at the expense of a potential disabled-list stint.
The Mets played it safe with Pagan (muscle spasms in his side) last night by sitting him for the first game of this series against the Marlins.
Manuel expects to have Pagan, who last started a game on Wednesday, in the lineup tonight.
* Carlos Beltran went 1-for-5 with a single last night for Single-A St. Lucie against Jupiter – the fourth game of his rehab assignment. He played nine innings.
“I don’t want to miss too much time between [Pagan] playing and not playing,” Manuel said.
Pagan, who hails from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, is staying at home during this series instead of the team hotel. He says he’s received “thousands” of calls from acquaintances who planned to attend the series.
“A lot of friends telling me no matter what they are coming over here to watch the games and support the team,” Pagan said.
Jesus Feliciano, another Puerto Rico native, started in Pagan’s place in center field.
* The Mets plan to stay with three catchers at least through tomorrow, as both Rod Barajas and Henry Blanco have been banged up. Manuel may start Josh Thole in tomorrow night’s series finale. Blanco started last night because he is the most comfortable handling R.A. Dickey’s knuckleball.
“When Barajas catches him it’s such work we feel like we lose him for the next day,” Manuel said. “It’s more stressful and I think it wears [Barajas] out.”
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GM Omar Minaya said it’s possible Oliver Perez [patellar tendinitis] will begin a minor-league rehab assignment this week. Once that happens, the Mets will be on the clock to activate Perez within 30 days. The lefty would have to give his consent to remain in the minor leagues beyond that.
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With lefty Nate Robertson scheduled to pitch for the Marlins tonight, Manuel said he will start Fernando Tatis at first base and give Ike Davis the night off. Alex Cora, a native of Puerto Rico, will likely start at second base tomorrow night.