PORT ST. LUCIE — Jose Reyes had a doctor’s appointment that couldn’t wait, prompting his absence from yesterday’s Mets lineup.
The shortstop had blood taken in the morning — the team said it was testing related to his spring physical — before departing to visit the doctor as the Mets prepared to face the Cardinals.
Reyes said everything is fine with his health and he expects to be in today’s lineup against the Marlins. The medical tests, Reyes said, had nothing to do with his legs.
“I expected to play today, but [health] is the most important,” Reyes said. “I have to be sure I’m ready to go when I step on that field.”
Reyes returned from his doctor’s appointment and took batting practice.
The Mets signed right-handed reliever Kiko Calero to a minor-league contract, giving manager Jerry Manuel one more arm to consider for the setup role.
Calero, 35, went 2-2 with a 1.95 ERA in 67 appearances for the Marlins last season.
“It was frustrating [to be unsigned] because last year was my best year,” Calero said. “I had to wait until two weeks after spring training started. It’s kind of hard, but I’m here.”
Calero, who had shoulder soreness that led to a disabled-list stint in 2009, said several teams were offering minor league deals. He chose the Mets, in part, because he has several friends on the team
Lefty Hisanori Takahashi was back in camp after receiving a work visa that will allow him to pitch in the Grapefruit League. . . . Lefty reliever Joe Beimel is still on the Mets’ radar, according to an industry source. The Mets are offering Beimel a major league contract, but at an amount significantly lower than the $2 million he earned last season. Ron Mahay is another lefty option the Mets might pursue.
Former Giants punter Sean Landeta, who lives nearby, visited the Mets clubhouse before the game. Landeta had a captive audience in Jeff Francoeur while showing off his championship rings.
“Are we going to get one of these anytime soon?” Francoeur asked.