Mets manager Jerry Manuel’s search for an eighth-inning pitcher continues.
Manuel — who said before last night’s 5-0 win at Citi Field that he would give Ryota Igarashi a chance to win the spot, depending on the situation — did just that.
Igarashi, who faltered in his first appearance since returning from the disabled list Sunday against the Yankees, pitched a scoreless eighth.
“He had a clean inning,” Manuel said. “[It] looked like he was in control.”
Before the game, Manuel said he would decide between Igarashi and left-hander Pedro Feliciano, depending on what part of the lineup was coming up. Manuel eventually left Igarashi in to face lefty Ryan Howard with two outs, instead of calling upon Feliciano and Igarashi responded by striking out Howard.
Manuel also said he isn’t worried about using the bullpen too much.
“I don’t think anyone has really been taxed that much in terms of number of pitches,” he said. “If we cannot lock down that eighth inning, then we’ll have to take chances on guys pitching multiple innings.”
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Francisco Rodriguez maintained his silence yesterday regarding his disagreement with bullpen coach Randy Niemann on Sunday.
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R.A. Dickey showed off the ugly bruise on the inside of his left elbow after being drilled by a Ryan Howard liner on Tuesday, but said that he was fine and expected to be able to make his next start on Sunday — and that he would be available in relief sooner, if needed.
“It’s up to them, but I’m planning on going out there [on Sunday],” Dickey said.
Because of the Mets’ lack of depth in the rotation, Manuel said he is hoping the knuckle-baller will make his scheduled start.
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Manuel said he expects Jon Niese to make his next start in the minors after he returns from a right hamstring injury.
“Once that happens, we’ll find what’s the best fit,” said Manuel.
Manuel also said Niese was expected to have a side session today and would throw a “high volume of pitches” and then after a few days off, make a start “someplace.”
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Luis Castillo stole two bases and was lifted when Alex Cora pinch hit in the sixth, but Castillo was not removed for health reasons. . . . The Giants’ rookies were at Citi Field last night, including former LSU baseball player Chad Jones, as well as first-round pick Jason Pierre-Paul.