Despite the swirl of reports and rumors, Willie Randolph and all his coaches are here in Anaheim tonight as the Mets open an interleague series with the first-place Angels behind starter Mike Pelfrey (pictured). Pelfrey has pitched well in his past three starts but is still searching for his first victory since April 15. He will be opposed by LA right-hander Jered Weaver.
The game is being played by AL rules, so Randolph is using Carlos Beltran as the DH tonight but hinted that David Wright â- who is in need of a day off after playing every inning of every game this season -â could fill that role Tuesday or Wednesday.
Here is the order for the 33-35 Mets, who are facing the Angels for the first time since 2005:
Jose Reyes SS
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran DH
Carlos Delgado 1B
Marlon Anderson LF
Trot Nixon RF
Brian Schneider C
Endy Chavez CF
Pelfrey is 2-6 with a 4.24 ERA. He has never faced the Angels or any of their hitters.
The 42-28 Angels are going with this lineup:
Chone Figgins 3B
Maicer Izturis SS
Garret Anderson LF
Vlad Guerrero DH
Torii Hunter CF
Casey Kotchman 1B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Gary Matthews Jr. RF
Jeff Mathis C
Weaver is 6-6 with a 4.45 ERA.
