K-Rod expected back in time for Opening Day for Mets
Closer Francisco Rodriguez #75 of the New York Mets celebrates after ending the game with a strikeout against the Houston Astros. (March 24, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Mets are giving Francisco Rodriguez as much space as necessary after he traveled to Venezuela on Friday to tend to his brother, who was seriously injured in a car accident. But team officials anticipate that K-Rod will be back for Opening Day and perhaps even for Sunday's workout at Citi Field, according to two people familiar with the situation.
Jerry Manuel seemed to think Rodriguez will be in New York by the end of the weekend. "From what I understand," the manager said, "but those are things you've got to take your time with. It's an emotional thing for him to deal with and this organization has always stood by guys who are going through those types of things."
Roster all but complete
The Mets have until 3 p.m. Sunday to submit their 25-man roster to the commissioner's office, but they just about finished it after Friday's game by cutting Nelson Figueroa, Bobby Parnell, Kiko Calero, Russ Adams, Chris Carter and Elmer Dessens. With only eight relievers left for seven spots, it looks as if Raul Valdes will be the odd man out and that this will be the Mets' bullpen: K-Rod, Pedro Feliciano, Ryota Igarashi, Hisanori Takahashi, Fernando Nieve, Sean Green and Jenrry Mejia.
The bench is set as well: Frank Catalanotto, Henry Blanco, Fernando Tatis, Gary Matthews Jr. and Ruben Tejada.
Extra bases
Jose Reyes went 1-for-4 and led off with a homer Friday in a Triple-A game in Port St. Lucie . . . Manuel said that he expects to use a straight platoon with Tatis and Mike Jacobs at first base. The manager plans to bat Jacobs fourth between David Wright and Jason Bay.
