Jeremy Hefner could replace injured Miguel Batista in rotation
Mets pitcher Jeremy Hefner delivers against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning. (May 19, 2012) Credit: AP
TORONTO -- Jeremy Hefner's commute Saturday consisted of a two-hour drive from Buffalo, and after coming in to replace Miguel Batista in the third inning, he had to get his scouting reports on the fly from pitching coach Dan Warthen.
All told, Hefner did a decent job in keeping the Blue Jays mostly in check for five innings. Hefner allowed only four hits, but three in the fifth inning produced the two runs that decided a 2-0 loss to Toronto. "I was disappointed in that one inning," said Hefner, who struck out five without a walk. "I got out of my mechanics a little bit."
Hefner was called up Saturday to help a tired bullpen and he may wind up the fifth starter. With Batista suffering from a lower back strain, the Mets plan to have Chris Schwinden on the taxi squad for Sunday's series. Batista might end up on the DL.
"If Jamie Moyer can go out there at 49, Miguel Batista can go out there at 41," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "He keeps himself in tremendous fitness shape. It was one of those things. I applaud the job Jeremy Hefner did. Getting here this morning and giving us that kind of an outing is tremendous."
Wright back Sunday?
David Wright, who has been suffering from a severe cold, was pulled in the sixth inning of Friday's 14-5 blowout. But after sitting out Saturday, he gave Collins a thumbs-up for the series finale. "He said he'd be ready," Collins said.
Extra bases
Ruben Tejada (quad strain) was expected to begin running this weekend with the chance of playing an extended spring game Monday and beginning a rehab assignment soon after. Collins raised the possibility of having him back for the following week . . . Jason Bay is hoping to resume batting practice soon, but Collins said he's not as close to a return as Tejada . . . Chris Young will make his next rehab start Friday for Class A St. Lucie.
