LOS ANGELES – With reliever Matt Wise expected to come off the disabled list soon, the Mets have a decision to make.
Wise, sidelined since the first week of the season by a bruised right forearm, is scheduled to pitch on consecutive days this week as part of his minor-league rehab assignment. If all goes well, Wise could be activated for the Mets’ weekend series at home against the Reds. Where Willie Randolph will put the right-hander is the question.
The Mets have ruled out carrying an extra pitcher, and Wise isn’t likely to unseat the struggling Aaron Heilman. The more viable candidates to go are Joe Smith or last night’s emergency starter, Nelson Figueroa.
“It’s not going to be an easy decision,” assistant GM John Ricco said.
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Pedro Martinez, sidelined since April by a strained left hamstring, pitched another side session yesterday in Port St. Lucie. The next step is throwing batting practice, but the Mets don’t have a firm date for that. He still appears unlikely to come off the DL until the end of this month or early June.
Orlando Hernandez, meanwhile, had his ailing right foot re-examined in New York by team doctors yesterday but is no closer to returning.
Oliver Perez was still smarting yesterday from the wicked line drive he took to the stomach off the bat of Jeff Kent in the first inning Monday.
Perez, who managed to recover quickly and throw out Kent at first, was sporting a large red welt on the left side of his stomach.
“It isn’t as bad as it looks, but it still hurts,” said Perez, who shook off the pain and pitched five more innings.