CHICAGO — Daisuke Matsuzaka has worn just about every hat for the Mets this season, but will return to his most familiar spot on Wednesday.
The veteran right-hander will get the ball against the Cubs at Wrigley Field as a bridge until Dillon Gee [strained lat] returns from the disabled list. Matsuzaka is expected to make at least two starts.
Matsuzaka got thrust back into the starter’s role after Rafael Montero was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday to give the Mets more bullpen depth with Buddy Carlyle’s arrival following a 14-inning game Friday.
Matsuzaka’s only start this season came in the nightcap of a doubleheader against the Diamondbacks on May 25 when he allowed two runs over six innings at Citi Field and earned the victory.
“He’s saved us in a lot of ways,” manager Terry Collins said before the Mets’ 2-1 loss to the Cubs Tuesday night. “He’s pitched in every role you have asked him to pitch. He’s pitched in the middle, he’s saved a game, he’s set up and he’s started.”
Overall, Matsuzaka is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 17 appearances for the Mets this season.
“He and [Carlos] Torres become valuable utility guys,” pitching coach Dan Warthen said. “They have no complaints, they are wonderful people and do whatever is asked of them.”
Daniel Murphy, who went 1-for-5, will get a rest day Thursday against Cubs left-hander Travis Wood, according to Collins. Wilmer Flores will replace Murphy at second base.
Murphy is 16-for-47 (.340) lifetime at Wrigley Field, but could benefit more from the day off rather than playing an additional game in the Friendly Confines, according to Collins.
Murphy will participate Monday in a White House Summit on Working Families. The second baseman will discuss his decision to take paternity leave on Opening Day this year to join his wife for the birth of their first child. A number of working dads and business leaders will join Murphy at the summit, which is the first of its kind at the White House.
Matt den Dekker was in the leadoff spot for a second straight game and went 2-for-5, scoring the Mets only run, but Collins said the rookie won’t necessarily keep that position on the lineup. Chris Young and Ruben Tejada are among the other possibilities to bat leadoff.
Gonzalez Germen pitched a scoreless inning in a rehab assignment for Single-A St. Lucie on Monday. The right-handed reliever has been sidelined for the last three weeks with a viral infection.