PHILADELPHIA –The Mets had enough of a problem with unheralded Vance Worley last night, but will get a good look at the rest of the Phillies’ infamous starting rotation over the next two days, starting today against Roy Halladay, followed by Cliff Lee tomorrow night.
But the man in charge of starting things off for the Mets lineup doesn’t mind facing both aces in back-to-back games.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Jose Reyes said before last night’s 10-3 loss at Citizens Bank Park. “It’s going to be a challenge, for sure, but everyone talks about how good they are, so you have to like the challenge.”
Reyes has done well so far against Halladay in his career, but has yet to face Lee.
“I’ve seen Lee on TV a lot, but I know it’s a lot different when you’re up there against him,” Reyes said. “But I’ve always liked hitting against Halladay for some reason.”
That reason probably has something to do with the fact Reyes is 10-for-22 (.455) against the right-hander in his career, with three doubles and a pair of triples.
“I don’t know why that is,” Reyes said. “I’ve just always done well against him. I wish I could explain it.”
He just hopes it continues today and that he can replicate at least some of it against the left-handed Lee tomorrow.
“You can’t let those guys get in your head,” Reyes said. “You have to have faith, no matter how many guys like that they have.”
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Angel Pagan is still getting treatment in Port St. Lucie, but manager Terry Collins said he believes the center fielder will begin baseball activities “very, very soon.”
Regardless, Pagan’s absence because of the oblique injury that landed him on the 15-day disabled list means Jason Pridie will continue to get a decent amount of time in center. But Collins will also look to get Scott Hairston and Willie Harris in the lineup.
“I’m going to try to get Scott and Willie in some games,” Collins said. “Those guys are here for a purpose. They give us some flexibility off the bench and in order to keep them sharp, they’ve got to get some games where they get three or four at-bats. It’s a difficult job [coming off the bench] if you don’t get consistent at-bats.”
Nevertheless, Collins seems to be most impressed with Pridie, who got the start last night and hit a two-run homer in the ninth.
“Jason Pridie has actually played very, very well so far,” Collins said.