The closest thing to a Mets power threat was back in the cleanup spot last night.
That would be Gary Sheffield, who made his first start since July 17 when he left the game at Atlanta with a cramp in his right hamstring. Sheffield played left field and went 1-for-4 with a double in the Mets’ 6-5 loss to Arizona.
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Sheffield is the only Mets player in double digits in homers (10). His .476 slugging percentage is the highest among the team’s active players.
But manager Jerry Manuel said the plan is to exercise caution with the 40-year-old Sheffield to ensure he stays healthy for the long haul.
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Carlos Delgado took batting practice before last night’s game and Carlos Beltran shagged flied balls, but no finite return date is in place for either injured star.
Beltran said the pain in his right knee is not nearly as great as it was six weeks ago when he was placed on the DL.
Both Delgado and Beltran are slated to head to Port St. Lucie tomorrow to join Jose Reyes, who is continuing workouts.
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Manuel indicated he’ll likely remain with one lefty — Pedro Feliciano — in the bullpen until Billy Wagner joins the team.
Until then, the manager said it’s possible Oliver Perez could be used as a lefty specialist, if needed, on scheduled throw days between starts.
Wagner yesterday made his second rehab appearance and pitched a shutout inning of relief for the Gulf Coast Mets.
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Elmer Dessens, whom the Mets designated for assignment last week, cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A Buffalo.