Mets' Manuel won't let his fate be a distraction

ATLANTA - His fate all but sealed, but with 30 games left, manager Jerry Manuel was asked Wednesday if he would like to know his job status sooner rather than later.

"You know what? I'd rather wait until we're done," Manuel said. "Unless if it becomes an issue in [the clubhouse] with them. I don't want it to be a distraction."

The Mets seem mostly indifferent to what awaits Manuel at the end of the season and they certainly haven't played like a team that is trying to save his job. The Mets are 17-28 since the All-Star break, and the front office has now surrounded Manuel with a roster that looks as if it was pulled back from a split-squad trip in spring training.

With Manuel in the final season of his two-year contract, the only real shot he had at an extension was a playoff berth. And with that pretty much a foregone conclusion, Manuel has no illusions about his future. He's alluded to possible successors, but realizes he still has a job to do over the final month - even if it is letting the front office evaluate the players.

"Oh, I'm going to be here for the next 10 years," Manuel said, laughing heartily. "I just take it a day at a time. I'll be fine one way or the other. Whatever people I have I'm going to take care of. Whatever kids, older players I have I'm going to take care of."

Mejia official for Saturday

The Mets confirmed their worst-kept secret by announcing Jenrry Mejia as Saturday's starter against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. While Mejia was thrilled to make the Opening Day roster in the bullpen, he's much more excited for his starting debut.

"I feel good about that," Mejia said. "This is different and I've been working hard for it."

Extra bases

Jose Reyes (oblique) survived batting practice Wednesday, but Manuel was unsure when he might return to the lineup . . . Angel Pagan (wrist tendinitis) missed his second straight game but Manuel was hopeful he would play in tonight's series finale against the Braves.