HOUSTON — Frank Francisco’s sore left hamstring isn’t a major concern yet for the Mets, but the team was taking no chances by making the closer unavailable for last night’s game against the Astros.
Manager Terry Collins indicated dehydration, stemming from the Denver altitude — the Mets just finished a weekend series at Coors Field — was the cause of Francisco’s hamstring discomfort, which started Saturday.
But Francisco, who surrendered home runs in consecutive appearances against the Rockies, had another explanation for the soreness.
“It’s from getting my [butt] tagged,” Francisco joked before the Mets’ 4-3 loss at Minute Maid Park.
Francisco suffered his first blown save of the season Sunday, when Carlos Gonzalez homered in the 10th inning. But Francisco has allowed at least one run in five of his last six appearances.
Collins said he had warned Francisco about dehydration.
“You’ve got to keep yourself hydrated,” Collins said. “Everybody thinks they drink one of those little things of water and it’s going to do it, but it doesn’t.”
* As expected, Mike Pelfrey will undergo Tommy John surgery. The final decision was reached after the pitcher visited Dr. James Andrews yesterday, confirming last week’s diagnosis of a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Pelfrey is scheduled to undergo the surgery today and spend the next 12 months rehabbing. It’s possible the right-hander, who is making $5.8 million this year, has pitched his last game for the Mets — the team may not be inclined to tender him a contract for next season.
* Lucas Duda was battling flulike symptoms yesterday, prompting Collins to give Mike Baxter the start in right field. Though Duda pinch-hit in the seventh inning and walked, Collins indicated Duda likely won’t play tonight’s game.
* Chris Young pitched in a simulated game in Port St. Lucie and could make a minor-league rehab start later in the week. Jenrry Mejia, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, also pitched in a simulated game and could soon receive a minor league assignment.