MET NOTES
With the trade deadline almost three weeks away, Mets interim general manager Jim Duquette indicated yesterday that even cornerstone Mike Piazza and phenom Jose Reyes would be available for the right price.
“No, I don’t think we have any untouchables,” Duquette said before a 7-3 loss to Atlanta at Shea.
Nobody has called on Piazza, however, as his prohibitive contract ($14.5 million this season) and seriously strained right groin make him virtually untradeable. Other clubs have interest in youngsters Reyes, Aaron Heilman, Jae Weong Seo and Ty Wigginton. Duquette gave the impression that younger players wouldn’t be moved.
“They’re a commodity in this market,” Duquette said.
* RHP Edwin Almonte, acquired in last week’s Roberto Alomar trade, was promoted from Triple-A Norfolk and made his major-league debut. He worked two innings and allowed a solo shot to Chipper Jones in the eighth.
Righty Jason Roach will be recalled from Norfolk and start tonight against the Braves.
* Grant Roberts threw one scoreless inning for Class-A St. Lucie in Jupiter as part of his rehab assignment, which has 25 days remaining.