Jose Reyes is on his way to Citi Field.
The Mets shortstop will rejoin teammates today for a workout and is scheduled to make his season debut tomorrow vs. the Nationals.
Reyes last night completed his extended spring training by going 0-for-4 with an RBI for Single-A St. Lucie while playing nine innings at shortstop.
Manager Jerry Manuel is prepared to thrust Reyes back into the leadoff spot, a welcomed addition for a team that could use an offensive boost, having left 10 runners stranded in scoring position over the last two games.
Reyes missed nearly three weeks of spring training with an overactive thyroid and was placed on the disabled list, retroactive to March 26, while he worked into baseball shape.
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Mike Pelfrey‘s dabbling days are over.
After a Grapefruit League season spent trying to refine secondary pitches — mostly a slider, split-fingered changeup and curve — he will make his season debut tonight.
He will be relying primarily on his hard sinker, trying to induce ground balls. Pelfrey indicated his 6.15 spring-training ERA was largely a result of trying to develop other pitches.
“I’ve always known I need a true secondary pitch and I’ve been working on that,” said Pelfrey, who will face the Nationals at Citi Field. “Spring training is there for you to get ready. I feel like I’ve done that.”
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Though Mike Jacobs is 1-for-9 with four strikeouts this season, Manuel said he has no plans to remove the first baseman from the cleanup spot — against right-handers.
Fernando Tatis started last night against Marlins lefty Nate Robertson and batted sixth. Jason Bay hit cleanup for the first time this season.