MLB

SIXTH SPOT IS NO HELP FOR DELGADO

With his struggles continuing, Carlos Delgado’s time in the fifth spot has expired, at least for now.

Whether it’s temporary is to be determined, but Delgado again was dropped to sixth in the batting order last night. It’s the third time this season he was dumped to sixth, the first two coming when Willie Randolph slid him down there for two games on May 23 and 24.

But Delgado, who was replaced in the fifth spot by Moises Alou last night, continued to be terrible in the Mets’ 5-2 win over Los Angeles. He went 0-for-3 with a walk in the six-hole – getting booed after whiffing in the eighth inning – and in his four games since returning from his hyperextended left knee, he’s gone 0-for-16 with five strikeouts.

“I have the luxury of having great hitters in my lineup,” Randolph said. “Moises is swinging the bat a little bit better right now, so we feel good about this tonight.”

Randolph admitted on Thursday that he would consider making the switch and 24 hours later, he did it, saying that it’s “just one spot.” Delgado hardly seemed ruffled by it, and in fact, he didn’t even know he was batting sixth until he was asked about it by the media.

“I just go to the plate a minute later,” he said.

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After hurting his right knee in the ninth inning on Thursday, Luis Castillo was ailing enough to sit last night. What’s more, the second baseman said he believed he’d miss the weekend series and try to play Monday. “I feel better today,” said Castillo, who didn’t have any tests on the knee.

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Endy Chavez, who’s been out since early June with a strained left hamstring, was at Shea Stadium yesterday. General manager Omar Minaya said Chavez potentially could return today or tomorrow, though that seems like a longshot. It might be a few more days for the popular outfielder, who said he’s fully healthy.

“Happy to be back,” said Chavez.

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Paul Lo Duca began his rehab action last night, catching five innings in the first game of a doubleheader for Single-A Brooklyn and going 0-for-2 with a walk. In the nightcap, he had two hits, including a home run, as the designated hitter. Lo Duca will play today for Double-A Binghamton.