MIAMI – In what’s unquestionably a surprising move, Philip Humber will take the mound for the Mets on Wednesday against the Nationals for his first major league start.
Humber, the former first-rounder, has made four relief appearances in the majors in his career, two this season. But he’s never started, and in fact, his last start in the minors was back on Aug. 27.
“I was hoping for it,” Humber said yesterday. “I knew there was an open date on Wednesday, so I was just hoping to be the guy.”
The righty’s wish was granted on Saturday, when the Mets let him know he’d get the start. The other candidate was Dave Williams, but Omar Minaya yesterday termed Humber the “best option available.”
The Mets didn’t want to use Pedro Martinez on four days’ rest on Wednesday. That’s normal rest for a starter, but since he returned, Martinez has been getting five days’ rest between starts.
“We want to keep Pedro pretty much where he is,” Willie Randolph said.
The 24-year-old Humber, the third overall pick in the 2004 draft, went 11-9 with a 4.27 ERA with Triple-A New Orleans this year, and in his two relief outings with the Mets this year (the last was on Sept. 11), he gave up one run in three innings.
He was exceptional toward the tail end of his Triple-A time this year, giving up just one earned run and three hits in his final 131/3 innings.
Humber, who said his parents and fiancée should be in attendance on Wednesday, pitched a three-inning simulated game on Saturday in St. Lucie.
Starting Humber on Wednesday is definitely a risk since he’s never started in the majors and it could be a key game. Williams, though, is hardly a terrific choice, either. He’s only pitched in one game this year and gave up eight runs on 10 hits in 31/3 innings.
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Orlando Hernandez‘s health appears to be improving. El Duque, who’s out with a bunion on his right foot, says he might shed his boot today.
Minaya said the righty could throw a bullpen session this week.
“I’m feeling better,” Hernandez said. “I feel now different pain than before.”
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Tomorrow or Wednesday, Marlon Anderson is slated to have his appeal heard. Anderson has been suspended two games for arguing a call last week.
