Jerry Manuel did a dramatic about-face yesterday, risking the chemistry of his red-hot Mets in the process.
After saying repeatedly for weeks that veteran second baseman Luis Castillo would have trouble winning his starting job after coming off the disabled list, Manuel abruptly changed course before last night’s 3-0 victory over the Astros. Manuel not only announced that Castillo would be activated in time for tonight’s game with Houston, but the interim manager also said Castillo would slip right back into a starting role.
That means a trip back to the bench for Castillo’s capable fill-ins, Damion Easley and Argenis Reyes, and maybe even a trip back to the minors for Reyes.
The Mets went 30-14 and surged into first place with Easley and Reyes platooning while Castillo nursed a strained quadriceps.
“Whatever Jerry decides for me, I’ll be good,” Castillo said. “If I play every day, fine. If I don’t, I don’t care.”