Pelfrey feeling better, will make start

WASHINGTON -- The Mets decided to stick with Mike Pelfrey for Friday night's start against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. But they will keep a close eye on him for any early signs of fatigue, as even Pelfrey admitted Thursday that he's not fully recovered from the illness that caused him to drop 11 pounds in the past week.

"I told them there wouldn't be any restrictions on my end," Pelfrey said. "I'm not 100 percent, but I'm better."

Pelfrey was tested for ulcers after complaining of a burning sensation in his abdomen, but said that the discomfort was attributed to a blockage rather than anything more serious. Last Friday, Pelfrey felt horrible, and pitched his best game of the season, allowing one run in seven innings against the Diamondbacks for his first victory.

"He said he feels better than he did his last start, and he threw better in his last start," Terry Collins said, "so we're going to run him out there [Friday]."

The Phillies have their own problems. They placed Joe Blanton on the disabled list with an impingement of his right elbow and will start 23-year-old righthander Vance Worley for the series opener. Worley, who will make his major-league debut, was 2-2 with a 2.78 ERA in four starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Reyes gets apology

Jose Reyes said umpire Marvin Hudson spoke to him to apologize for the blown call at third base Wednesday night. Hudson told Reyes he had watched the replay and "had a bad angle" when he believed Reyes' hand slipped off the bag. Reyes appreciated the gesture. "It's not a big deal," he said. "It's over."

Paulino back tonight

GM Sandy Alderson said after the game the Mets plan to activate Ronny Paulino Friday in Philadelphia. Paulino is expected to platoon with Josh Thole.