The Mets wish they could say the same about their lineup, but the bullpen is getting a lot healthier over the next week.
As well as the anticipated return of former All-Star closer Billy Wagner today or tomorrow, setup man J.J. Putz is expected to rejoin the Mets during a nine-game road trip that starts Tuesday at Florida.
The exact timing of Putz’s comeback from surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow will depend on how he holds up during a simulated game Saturday at Citi Field and in a rehab appearance Monday at Single-A Brooklyn.
But manager Jerry Manuel sounded yesterday as if Putz’s return is all but certain. The big right-hander has been on the disabled list since June 5.
“He’s ready to compete,” Manuel said.
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Manuel seemed to have a lot more confidence in the health of Oliver Perez’s right knee yesterday than Perez did.
Though Perez is reserving judgment until after a bullpen session today at Citi Field, Manuel said he fully expects the left-hander to make his next start Sunday at home against Pedro Martinez and the Phillies. Perez, who aggravated a season-long knee injury while covering first base in the second inning Tuesday night, said he can’t wait to face his former mentor.
“I’m excited, because Pedro had a tremendous career here,” Perez said. “He taught me a lot when he was here. He’s a tremendous person on and off the field, but I’m going to try to beat him. He understands that it’s different when it’s on the field.”
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Carlos Beltran ran sprints in the outfield and took batting practice again as part of his comeback bid from bone bruises in his right knee.
For what he described as “somewhat selfish” reasons, Manuel continues to hold out hope that Beltran can return this season even if the more sensible move would be to shelve him. “I would rather see him play [this season] than have that question in spring training,” Manuel said.
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John Maine, out since June 7 with continued discomfort in his right shoulder, is supposed to throw off the mound sometime next week in Port St. Lucie.
Asked if he thought Maine could make it back this season, Manuel said: “That, I don’t know.”
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David Wright was at Citi Field again yesterday and still appeared none the worse for his concussion last Saturday, but the Mets say they will remain very cautious with the All-Star third baseman.
Manuel said the Mets are sticking to their plan for him, which calls for Wright to be tested later this week or early next week with what Manuel described as “some sort of physical activity.” Wright is eligible to come off the disabled list on Aug. 31.
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Braves manager Bobby Cox got a tour of the Yankees’ swanky new ballpark before the game last night. Cox, who was impressed with the size and amenities of the facility, said he thought right field looked pretty inviting for hitters.
There were 185 homers hit in the first 59 games at the field, including 111 to right and right-center field.