Will Reyes bat righthanded against righty?

So much for Jerry Manuel's plans.

After all the commotion regarding the need for Jose Reyes to return against a lefthander because of his injured right oblique, Reyes will be in the lineup Tuesday night. Against a righthander.

Manuel confirmed that Reyes will start against Aaron Harang, and that the switch hitter will try something new.

Said Manuel, "I think if Jose's ready to play and I think he wants to play - I know he wants to play - he will probably bat righthanded [tonight].''

Another injured Met also has an expected return date.

Carlos Beltran, who is recovering from offseason knee surgery, is being pointed to a July 15 return in San Francisco, the first game after the All-Star break.

"If all goes well, we should see him in San Francisco," Manuel said.

Beltran went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI Monday for Class A St. Lucie against Charlotte. He played all nine innings in centerfield and had four putouts.

"I feel better and better every day," Beltran said. "Not sure on a timeline."

Extra bases

Manuel will skip Hisanori Takahashi this weekend against the Braves, starting R.A. Dickey, Mike Pelfrey and Johan Santana . . . The Mets called up lefty reliever Raul Valdes . . . Fernando Tatis was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right shoulder . . . Manuel plans on giving rookie catcher Josh Thole regular playing time before the break. "Take a look at what could be a really good offensive club when [Thole] plays,'' he said.