Jose Reyes to return to the Amazin's line-up

Mets star Jose Reyes is expected back in the Amazin’s line-up Tuesday night in Queens after two weeks on the DL and a one-day stint with the Brooklyn Cyclones.

The return of the 27-year-old MVP candidate couldn’t come soon enough for the Mets, who have somehow stayed in the playoff hunt. Reyes has been rehabbing his left hamstring since tweaking it on July 2, but he tested it Monday as guest player for the Brooklyn Cyclones.

“Everything was perfect. I have to feel happy about it," said Reyes, even though they lost 11-5 to the Lowell Spinners.

Mets manager Terry Collins said he’ll keep an eye on his shortstop in the days ahead.

“He said he’s going to be fine, and we’ll do a much better job of monitoring him early to see if he’s OK,” Collins said.

Yesterday was one of those star turns in a setting normally reserved for young big-league hopefuls. A thrilled crowd of 8,126 showed up — more than 1,000 above average.

Reyes, who had three at-bats during six innings, signed autographs and seemed to enjoy playing with the minor-leaguers. However, he’d “rather play in Citi Field.

“I can’t wait,” he said.

The Mets, who were 8 1/2 games out of a playoff spot going into Monday’s games, take on the Cardinals at 7 Tuesday.

(amNY/Newsday)