Reyes to be back in lineup Saturday, leading off

Jose Reyes was excited to be back at Citi Field Friday and excited to be rejoining the Mets' lineup on Saturday for the first time since May 10.

Jerry Manuel was even more excited.

"After [Friday's] game, he's coming home with me," the manager said. "Make sure he's here tomorrow."

Reyes reported to work after completing his extended stint at the Mets' spring training camp in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The team decided to start the season with Reyes on the disabled list after he missed nearly three weeks in March because of an overactive thyroid and didn't have quite enough at-bats to be ready for the season.

"My timing is OK," Reyes said. He meant at the plate. As far as the Mets needing him, his timing is outstanding.

"We kinda need that spark a little bit," Manuel said before Friday night's game against the Nationals. "Just the presence of the dynamic player like that, we need that. Early we've struggled a little bit offensively. To get a player who can have that type of impact, just his presence in that lineup puts a little more pressure on the opposition."

Reyes said his latest thyroid test was taken Monday and his levels were normal. Other than a continued doctor's order to stay away from seafood and the need for monthly tests for the time being, Reyes is 100 percent healthy. The leg problems that cost him most of 2009 are behind him, too, and he's ready to run.

"I'm going to play my game," Reyes said. "I'm going to push it because my leg is 100 percent . . . If I feel good, I'm going to be in there day in and day out."

The Mets were cautious with Reyes when he wanted to make the Opening Day roster. But Manuel isn't going to be cautious about penciling in his shortstop in Saturday's lineup.

Asked if he expects Reyes to play Saturday, Manuel said: "Yeah. Unless he gets hit by a car or something. He'll be leading off tomorrow, ain't no doubt about that."