A disastrous third inning by John Maine on Thursday night paved the way for a 6-5 loss to San Diego that dropped the Mets back below .500 and heightened concern about the middle of their rotation. Colleague Jay Greenberg doesn’t like Jerry Manuel‘s plan for the corner outfield spots.

In the notes, it’s looking more and more like Mike Pelfrey will miss his start Sunday due to forearm tendinitis.

Lastly, Willie Randolph is going to be in the house this weekend.