'Tired' Reyes not in starting lineup
Jose Reyes, center, celebrates Angel Pagan's two-run home run with Pagan, right, and on-deck hitter Luis Castillo. (Apr. 19, 2010) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
There's no cause for alarm, Jose Reyes said. He just needed a rest.
The Mets shortstop, who has struggled since his return April 10, said he and Jerry Manuel talked before last night's game against the Cubs and both agreed he should sit out.
"I talked to him and said, 'I need a day,' " Reyes said. "I'm a little bit tired today. Just a little bit. Nothing big. It's going to be good for me to take a day."
Reyes, who was hitting .154 (6-for-39) after missing the first four games of the season because of an overactive thyroid, did not get the entire night off. He pinch hit for Alex Cora in the seventh, was hit by a pitch and scored the go-ahead run on Angel Pagan's homer. Reyes, who stayed in at shortstop, flew out to center in the eighth.
General manager Omar Minaya said he is not concerned about Reyes' slow start.
"We expected without having [had] spring training, it's going to take a little bit of time," he said. "He's basically been out for a year. I think he'll be fine. He's not hitting and all that, [but] the history of Jose Reyes is that when he gets everything put together, he's a very good player."
Beltran a long way away
Carlos Beltran will meet with Dr. Richard Steadman in Colorado next week for a standard checkup, Minaya said. Beltran, who had knee surgery in January, has not been cleared for baseball activities.
As for Daniel Murphy, the GM said the first baseman (sprained knee) is still "in the window" of the initial two-to-six-week time frame. Murphy just started limited baseball activity in the form of running and taking some soft-toss batting practice.
Robinson honored
All players wore No. 42 last night in honor of Jackie Robinson. Last night's game was the first home game for the Mets since baseball celebrated the 63rd anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier last Thursday.
