Previewing the Opponent: the Rockies...

The Mets (2-4) begin a six-game road trip Tuesday night against Colorado (3-3). Here’s a look at the probable pitchers:

Tues., April 13th, 8:40 p.m.
RHP John Maine (0-0, 7.20 ERA) vs. LHP Greg Smith (0-1)

Wed., April 14th, 8:40 p.m.
LHP Jon Niese (0-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. RHP Aaron Cook (0-1, 6.75 ERA)

Thurs., April 15th, 3:10 p.m.
RHP Mike Pelfrey (1-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. LHP Jorge De La Rosa (1-0)

After Sunday’s debacle, starring Johan Santana and his wayward fastball, the Mets need John Maine to be on his game in Tuesday’s opener. He allowed four runs, including two key home runs, in his opening start as the Mets lost 7-6 in extra innings to Florida.

If the Mets hope to star the series on the right foot, first-pitch strikes and the return of Maine's fastball’s velocity are a must -- especially at Coors Field.

His counterpart, Smith, hasn’t fared well against the longball, either.

In his first start since 2008, he gave up four hits -- two of which were home runs -- in a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

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One thing to note: Second baseman Luis Castillo, who is batting .267 over five games, should return to the Mets’ lineup against Colorado Tuesday. Castillo hasn’t played since Thursday due to what manager Jerry Manuel called a “cranky” right calf. Castillo singled in a pinch-hit appearance in Saturday’s 4-3 loss to Washington, but was not in the lineup Sunday.?