PHILADELPHIA — Big Pelf could be headed toward a big rest.
Though manager Jerry Manuel hasn’t looked beyond this weekend for his starting rotation, he still is considering the possibility of skipping Mike Pelfrey’s turn in the rotation Tuesday against the Rockies.
Monday’s scheduled day off gives Manuel several possibilities, including giving Hisanori Takahashi a start on Tuesday or looking to Triple-A Buffalo for help.
A strong possibility would be lefty Pat Misch, who pitched Thursday for Buffalo and would be working on full rest Tuesday. Misch is 10-4 with a 3.34 ERA in 22 starts for Buffalo.
“Our decision is one that is somewhat blurred,” Manuel said before the Mets opened a three-game series against the Phillies with a 7-5 loss last night.
Pelfrey (10-6, 4.16 ERA) has not won since June 25. On Wednesday in Atlanta, he lasted only 4 2/3 innings in which he allowed three earned runs.
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Jeff Francoeur spoke to Jason Bay yesterday and was told the left fielder’s headaches have subsided somewhat, but he still is dealing with nausea, vomiting and motion sickness as the result of the concussion he suffered when he collided with the left-field fence two weeks ago at Dodger Stadium.
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According to an industry source, the Mets placed Jesus Feliciano, Mike Hessman, Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo on trade waivers Thursday. Those waivers expire Monday.
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Johan Santana only can hope his start tonight at Citizens Bank Park will be a vast improvement over his last appearance here. Santana surrendered a career-high 10 runs on May 2 against the Phillies, lasting just 3 2/3 innings. On Monday in Atlanta, the lefty struck out a season-high 11 batters, but was pinned for a 4-1 loss.