MIAMI — In a surprising revelation, Jose Valentin is almost ready to come off the disabled list.
Valentin has been out since April 29 due to a partially torn ACL, but yesterday Mets GM Omar Minaya said it’s possible the second baseman could be back for the Mets within two weeks.
Damion Easley has been the main second baseman with Valentin out, and he has done a good job subbing. But manager Willie Randolph indicated that Valentin won’t be coming off the bench when he returns or platooning with Easley.
“He’s my everyday second baseman,” Randolph said of Valentin.
*****
In the seventh inning last night, David Wright hit a dribbler along the first-base line that began foul but then rolled into fair territory. Wright didn’t run initially, then got tagged out, and Randolph said afterward that “David probably should have been running,” adding, “You don’t play this game the right way, you embarrass yourself.” Wright said, “I thought it was going to be a foul ball.”
The next hitter, Carlos Delgado, was thrown out at second when he singled off the left-field wall and tried to get to second. He didn’t go all out to first base, though he might have been safe at second.
“Carlos runs that way all the time,” Randolph said. “He probably was spectating a little bit, but that’s what he does all the time.”
*****
When the Mets play their 51st game, Guillermo Mota will join them. The reliever is suspended for the first 50 games of the season due to steroids, but with the Mets having played 47 games, they only have three more before he can return.
“The moment he’s eligible, he will be back,” Minaya said yesterday.
*****
Billy Wagner hasn’t blown a save since Aug. 1, 2006 — nearly four months worth of regular-season activity — and has converted 29 straight opportunities.
Wagner saved 18 straight to end last season, and he’s converted all 11 of his chances this year, making 29. The all-time record is not anywhere near Wagner right now, though, as Eric Gagne saved 84 straight from 2002-04.
Wagner said yesterday, however, that he didn’t think his opponents’ batting average off of him was where it should ideally be.
“I should be down at .160,” he said before the game, “and I’m at .190.”
Technically, it was .192 going into last night. He then gave up a run and two hits in the ninth inning.
