CHICAGO – Willie Randolph turned defensive yesterday when asked if Aaron Heilman was showing the effects of too much use.
Heilman wasn’t called on in yesterday’s 8-1 loss to the Cubs, but that was a rarity. The right-hander began the day leading the NL in relief appearances (12) and among the league leaders in pitches (225).
Heilman has appeared in five of the Mets’ past seven games, and his effectiveness with that kind of workload was questioned after he gave up four runs – albeit unearned – in just 2/3 of an inning in Monday’s 7-1 loss to the Cubs.
“He’s just going to have to make pitches,” Randolph said. “That’s the life of a set-up guy. I’m going to use him like I’ve been using him. He’s healthy, and I’m not ready to reduce his role a month into the season.”
Randolph was unaware that Heilman led the NL in use among relievers, but said that wouldn’t change his plans.
“He’s fine,” Randolph said. “He’s strong. It’s early. That [workload] will even out later on. I’m not concerned about it.”
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Pedro Martinez, sidelined since April 1 by a strained left hamstring, is about two weeks away from throwing off the mound again after being examined by team doctors Monday in New York. Although that prognosis was encouraging, the Mets still plan to be cautious with Martinez. He remains unlikely to pitch in a major-league game until late May or early June.
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Orlando Hernandez is no closer to returning. El Duque was examined by team doctors yesterday in New York and is still experiencing pain in his ailing right foot. He will remain in a protective walking boot for another two weeks.