Igarashi, Takahashi replacing Rodriguez
Ryota Igarashi pitching the 8th inning before leaving the game because of injury. (April 20, 2010) Credit: David Pokress
HOUSTON - The Mets recalled Ryota Igarashi before last night's game with the Astros to replace Francisco Rodriguez on the roster.
The Mets thought Igarashi would be a big piece of their bullpen when he signed a guaranteed two-year, $3-million contract in the offseason. That hasn't quite worked out - he went into last night with a 0-1 record and 7.91 ERA.
"There are guys that you will use when you are ahead and late," Jerry Manuel said. "I wouldn't put him in that category right away."
Manuel said Hisanori Takahashi, who picked up his first save Monday, will "for the most part" be Rodriguez's replacement as closer.
The Mets signed Takahashi to a non-guaranteed deal in the offseason and he made the club out of spring training.
No. 1 pick signs on
The Mets signed first-round draft pick Matt Harvey just before Monday's midnight deadline. Harvey, 21, was 8-3, 3.09 for UNC this season. He struck out 102 and walked 35 in 96 innings. His fastball has been clocked as high as 98 miles per hour.
Extra bases
Ike Davis, Fernando Martinez and Ruben Tejada were in the lineup against Astros righthander Nelson Figueroa, the former Met. Angel Pagan got the night off . . . Rod Barajas was scheduled to play in a rehab game for Class A St. Lucie, after which he could be ready to rejoin the Mets, although they don't need a third catcher.
