PORT ST. LUCIE — Jason Isringhausen will give his comeback shot with the Mets at least another two weeks.
After a day of deliberation, the veteran righty yesterday accepted the team’s invitation to participate in extended spring training. The 38-year-old reliever, who was squeezed from the Opening Day roster by Blaine Boyer, has been told his situation will be reevaluated within two weeks.
“I’ve come this far, two more weeks won’t kill me,” said Isringhausen, who last pitched in the major leagues in 2009.
The Mets have told Isringhausen they will release him from his minor league contract if another team wants him before extended spring training concludes. But the Mets also have right of first refusal, meaning they could block Isringhausen from joining an NL East rival such as the Phillies, who could seek bullpen help with closer Brad Lidge expected to miss 3-6 weeks.
Isringhausen, who posted a 1.13 ERA in eight spring training appearances, said he wasn’t upset with the Mets’ decision to leave him off the Opening Day roster.
“I’ll just work on my pitching and still face hitters,” Isringhausen said. “It’s better to have some kind of structured outline rather than just going home and trying to throw at home.”
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Johan Santana said it will be “tough” remaining behind at the Mets minor league complex this spring, but he fully expects to return and help the team in 2011. The lefty is continuing his rehab from shoulder surgery, but is not close to throwing from a mound. The Mets are hoping he can return by late June.
“I’m very pleased with how I feel,” Santana said. “It feels like everything is getting looser, looser and looser as I throw — and better.”
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Nick Evans cleared waivers and was out-righted to Triple-A Buffalo. Luis Hernandez also cleared waivers and must decide if he will accept an assignment to Buffalo. General manager Sandy Alderson said he expects Hernandez to accept.
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Chris Young allowed two earned runs on three hits over five innings in the Mets’ 6-3 victory over the Marlins. Young finished the spring with a 1.78 ERA. The Mets finished the Grapefruit League 17-15.