With today’s forecast calling for rain, the Mets might not wait long to postpone their scheduled game against the Nationals.
But that could have more to do with the Mets’ starting pitching situation than trying to score points with the fans. As it stands, because they needed Johan Santana and Mike Pelfrey for Saturday’s doubleheader against the Reds, the Mets do not have a starting pitcher for Wednesday against the Nationals.
A postponement tonight not only would allow the rotation to fall back into place, it would let Santana pitch Friday in the Subway Series opener against the Yankees. Santana is currently scheduled to face the Nationals on Thursday.
Nelson Figueroa is scheduled to start for the Mets tonight, with John Maine slated for tomorrow.
The Nationals return to Shea in September, would allow the game to be made up then if it is postponed.
If there is no rainout, Willie Randolph indicated the Mets would likely look toward Triple-A New Orleans for a Wednesday starter. Before the Mets beat the Reds 8-3 yesterday, Randolph ruled out the possibility of using Pelfrey on short rest Wednesday or plucking Jorge Sosa from the bullpen to make a start.
Of course, if the Mets summon a pitcher from the minors, they will have to make a roster move. Already, they are hamstrung on how to get reliever Matt Wise, who is ready to be activated from the disabled list, onto the roster.
The Mets will clearly pray for rain today.
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Oliver Perez walked and stole second base in the second inning, becoming the first Mets pitcher with a steal this season. All three of Perez’s career stolen bases have come against the Reds. The last Mets pitcher to steal a base was Orlando Hernandez on July 17, 2007.
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Angel Pagan entered yesterday’s game as a pinch-hitter, his first appearance since injuring his left shoulder while diving into the stands on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Pagan batted for Perez in the sixth and struck out batting right-handed against lefty reliever Bill Bray. Pagan, a switch-hitter, had indicated before the game that he was only comfortable swinging right-handed.
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Scott Schoeneweis’ ERA dropped to 1.50 with 12/3 scoreless innings yesterday. The lefty has not allowed a run in 14 of his 16 appearances this season.