Tidbits from a bad day
ATLANTA — Notes and quotes after the Mets fell to 2-2 on Saturday with an 11-5 loss here to the Braves: — John Maine didn’t mince words after an ugly debut in which he allowed four runs on eight hits and walked three in just four innings.
“They did a good job making me battle,ââ Maine said. “I didnât have any other pitch than [the fastball] today, and they did a good job of hitting it.
More from Maine: “I felt the same way I did the last few starts in spring training. They just did a good job of battling and putting the ball in play when they needed to.ââ
And, finally, this: “I wanted to get off to a better start, but I feel fine. It was only one game, and I still have 30-plus more starts.ââ
— Randolph altered his rotation again, announcing that Johan Santana will make his third start next Saturday at home against the Brewers.
Randolph said immediately after the rainout that Santana would throw Friday against Milwaukee, but the manager changed his mind.
Nelson Figueroa, who is filling in for the injured Pedro Martinez and appeared in relief in the loss to the Braves, is now expected to start Fridayâs game.
Reliever Jorge Sosa also is an option to start Friday, but Randolph said he is inclined to go with the Brooklyn-born Figueroa.
“Iâm leaning more towards keeping [Sosa] where he is [in the bullpen],ââ Randolph said before Sosa allowed that pinch-hit grand slam to Kelly Johnson on Saturday.
— The Mets say they werenât discouraged by Duaner Sanchezâs minor-league rehab stint Friday night in Port St. Lucie, even though the reliever allowed two home runs in one inning to the Class A Vero Beach Devil Rays.
“He got his work in,ââ Randolph said. “I donât take anything more away from it than that. Heâs making progress.ââ
Sanchez is scheduled to pitch on back-to-back days at Triple-A New Orleans next week for the first time since injuring his right shoulder in July 2006.
— Backup catcher Ramon Castro was eligible to come off the 15-day DL on Saturday but will remain in Port St. Lucie for the time being to rehab his strained hamstring.
For more details, read Sunday’s editions of The Post …
