Frank Francisco is scheduled to pitch for Double-A Binghamton today in New Britain, Conn., after getting a shot to relieve discomfort in his right knee. His return to Citi Field can’t come soon enough for Mets manager Terry Collins.
“We need him back very badly,” Collins said before last night’s 5-2 loss to the Nationals. “Our bullpen has had a tough time and he’s the one addition. You’re trying to find bullpen help? We’ve got bullpen help. It’s in-house. We’ve just got to get him back out there.”
Francisco has been on the disabled list since June 23 with a left oblique strain and attributed the knee soreness to running.
“Before I go out there, we decided to get a shot and then I can get it going after that,” said Francisco, adding that he felt an improvement after the injection.
Collins was in favor of his closer getting the shot, even though the Mets’ MLB-worst bullpen has been even worse without its closer.
“We don’t want this thing to flare up again,” Collins said. “When he’s already been out a month, what’s two more days? I’d say in the next five or six days, Frankie Francisco will be [back with the Mets].”
As for the injury to his side that sidelined him originally, Francisco reported no problems, but added: “I [haven’t] pitched. So far it feels good.”
Manny Acosta tossed a scoreless inning after being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo yesterday.
* Ruben Tejada pinch-hit last night after being spiked in the right shin during the 10th inning on Monday by Roger Bernadina, who was attempting to break up a potential double play at second base.
“He’s pretty sore,” Collins said.
The manager didn’t have a problem with Bernadina’s slide, which occurred after Tejada flubbed Tim Byrdak’s perfect throw to second.
“I think he committed to breaking up the double play, and when Ruben dropped the ball, he left his leg exposed,” Collins said. “It all happened so fast. I don’t think Roger stuck his foot intentionally into his shin.”
* The Mets released Miguel Batista (1-3, 4.82), who was designated for assignment after allowing four runs in three innings in a spot start Saturday.
* They signed former St. John’s right-hander Craig Hansen to a minor league contract that runs through next season. He will report to Port St. Lucie to begin a throwing program. The 28-year-old last pitched professionally during 2010 in Pittsburgh’s minor league system.
Drafted by Boston with the 26th overall pick in 2005, the Glen Cove native made his major league debut the same year. Over parts of five major league seasons, he is 4-9 with a 6.34 ERA.