Pelfrey faced Hughes in minors
Saturday night's game marks the first time Phil Hughes and Mike Pelfrey have opposed each other in the majors, but it's not the first time they've faced each other.
Pelfrey remembers going up against Hughes in Double-A a few years ago, a time when both pitchers were trying to meet the expectations that come with being a first-round selection.
The Yankees selected Hughes in 2004, one year before the Mets picked Pelfrey.
"I think it's going to be fun," Pelfrey said. "He obviously has great stuff and is clearly off to a great start."
But Pelfrey (5-1) did note that because the game is being played in a National League park, he could have an advantage in one area: hitting.
"Hopefully," Pelfrey said, "he's not a good hitter."
Hughes (5-0) said he hasn't faced a pitcher in a game since high school and is just looking forward to getting his first at-bat out of the way. He added, "I'll probably be nine feet out of the batter's box."
Trainer's room
Luis Castillo was not in the lineup for the third time in four games because of his bothersome left foot, and Jerry Manuel said he hopes to give Castillo off Saturday night, too.
Ryota Igarashi, out since April 20 with a left hamstring injury, told The Buffalo News he was ready to return to the Mets after pitching a scoreless inning Thursday. But the Mets didn't activate him, choosing to have him pitch again Friday night. That puts him in line to be activated in time for Sunday night's game.
Ten years ago . . .
As part of the Mets' season-long celebration of the 10th anniversary of their 2000 NL championship team, they introduced Mike Piazza, John Franco, Benny Agbayani, Edgardo Alfonzo, Turk Wendell, Rick Reed and Mike Hampton before Friday night's game. Franco threw the ceremonial first pitch to Piazza.
