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Mets' Martinez shows some progress

BY DAVID LENNON | david.lennon@newsday.com

May 7, 2008

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LOS ANGELES - There was some movement yesterday in the glacial progress of Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez, but don't get too excited about a return just yet.

Martinez, nursing a strained left hamstring, threw a bullpen session in Port St. Lucie with general manager Omar Minaya in attendance and there is the possibility that his next outing could involve facing hitters in batting practice. The next step would be a simulated game and perhaps a start for Class A St. Lucie, but team officials have been reluctant to speculate very far into the future.

Hernandez returned to New York to be examined by the Mets' medical staff and was hoping to get the go-ahead to shed his walking boot permanently.

When El Duque will pitch again, in any capacity, has yet to be determined. Hernandez must find a way to protect the sore tendon in his right foot, which he uses to plant on the rubber, so his future remains cloudy.

Wise decision

With reliever Matt Wise expected to return this weekend, the Mets have to figure out how to make room on the roster, and that is likely to mean a demotion for Joe Smith. Wise, who is rehabbing from a bruised forearm, was scheduled to pitch in back-to-back outings for Class A St. Lucie beginning last night and then join the Mets on Friday for the start of the homestand.

The Mets could designate Jorge Sosa for assignment, but he is making $2-million this season, and that would seem to be a deterrent to losing him. Assistant GM John Ricco said yesterday that the front office plans to make a decision during tomorrow's day off. Ricco hinted that the team was not likely to carry an extra pitcher.

"We haven't done that, so I wouldn't think so," Ricco said. "It's not going to be an easy decision no matter which way we go. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

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