Jose Reyes had three more hits last night and scored the Mets’ first run in a 3-2 loss to the Nationals at Citi Field, but he still has just one stolen base since returning from the disabled list on Aug. 29 — and he hasn’t tripled since July 21.
Reyes admitted his lack of aggression on the basepaths is because he still is unsure of the left hamstring that has landed him on the DL twice this season.
“It’s not the same,” Reyes said after the Mets dropped their fourth straight game and sixth in seven. “Earlier in the season I was healthy. I feel like my leg is not quite there yet. It’s not where it needs to be.”
Reyes did not attempt a stolen base again last night.
“It’s good enough to play,” Reyes said. “I’ll give you everything that I have. It is hard, but I can get through it.”
He hasn’t given up the idea that he will feel like himself by the end of the season.
“I hope so,” said Reyes, who is batting .331 and again said he is not thinking about his battle with Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun for the NL batting crown.
Terry Collins understands Reyes’ attitude.
“I’ve emphasized he’s gotta stay healthy and stay in the lineup,” the manager said. “We talk every single day about it.”
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Collins said he expects Jason Isringhausen to be unavailable for at least a few more games after the right-hander received an epidural on Monday for the herniated disk in his lower back. . . . Jason Bay was given last night off to rest his sore right shoulder. Willie Harris started in left field in Bay’s place. . . . Chris Schwinden will start tomorrow against the Nationals, with Chris Capuano pushed back to Friday’s series opener in Atlanta.
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Mookie Wilson will unveil a painting at Citi Field today of his famous grounder that went through the legs of Bill Buckner to win Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Wilson and Buckner commissioned the painting, which was purchased by the Mets and will be displayed in the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum.