Turner makes good 1st impression at 2nd
CINCINNATI -- With the Mets' roster clearly in an evolutionary stage, Justin Turner continues to be proactive in his bid for a permanent second-base job. After a 2-for-3 night against Cincinnati here Monday, Turner doubled in his first at-bat last night and had manager Terry Collins acknowledging the 26-year infielder's notable progress in his first full big-league season.
Recovered from a thumb injury that knocked him temporarily off balance, Turner entered last night's game hitting .280 and "has had an outstanding season," Collins said. Originally drafted by Cincinnati and having played only 21 major-league games for Baltimore and the Mets the previous two years, Turner "has adjusted very, very well" in 72 games this season and Collins declared "there's no reason he couldn't be the second baseman here.
"I think the thumb was a huge factor," Collins said. "I think he actually changed his swing because of the thumb, and now his thumb feels better, he's feeling a lot better at the plate. This guy has a feel for what it takes to be a successful player."
"I just want to make sure he has a plan going forward this winter, and when we go into spring training next year, he's got to be in the mix."
Pagan sits again
Angel Pagan, who was held out of the lineup for the second straight night since leaving Sunday's game in Miami with dehydration, said medical tests conducted on Monday found no deeper problem and he will return to action tonight. "Thank God, nothing's wrong," Pagan said. "It was probably over 100 degrees in the ballpark and I probably didn't hydrate myself the way I should before the game. I was nauseous and dizzy and felt really bad. But the tests were negative and I'm ready to go."
Rehab game for Santana
The Mets announced that Johan Santana will pitch his first rehab game since shoulder surgery last September tomorrow night in Port St. Lucie against Daytona Beach in the Class A Florida League. Santana, whose last big-league game was Sept. 2, worked a three-inning simulated game on Friday and had a bullpen session in Miami during the Mets' series there.
