The countdown is under way for Jose Reyes’ return.
Reyes was in the Mets’ clubhouse yesterday, but departed for Port St. Lucie during his team’s 3-2 victory over the Marlins. He could be activated from the disabled list by Friday.
Manager Jerry Manuel said the plan is for Reyes to work out today and play in games tomorrow and Wednesday in Port St. Lucie. Reyes, who has been sidelined by tendinitis behind his right calf, would then be evaluated on Thursday and, barring a setback, join the Mets on Friday in Washington.
Wilson Valdez yesterday made a second straight start at shortstop and was 1-for-2 with a walk. The Mets are hopeful Alex Cora (thumb) will be activated from the DL tomorrow, giving them another shortstop option until Reyes returns.
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Angel Pagan was expected to undergo an MRI exam after sustaining a right groin injury while chasing a Hanley Ramirez shot in the fourth inning. Pagan, who was replaced in center field by Jeremy Reed, was only in the lineup because Carlos Beltran remained sidelined by a stomach virus.
It’s possible Beltran will return to the lineup tonight in Pittsburgh, but Manuel isn’t expecting good news about Pagan.
“I don’t think that’s a day-to-day deal,” Manuel said.
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Pedro Feliciano worked a perfect seventh inning, making it 13 straight appearances for the lefty without an earned run allowed . . . Gary Sheffield extended his hitting streak to eight games with an infield single in the seventh inning.
