MET NOTES

Jose Reyes was sporting an Air Jordan T-shirt yesterday morning, but he has never been more grounded.

Team physician Andrew Rokito evaluated the 20-year-old shortstop again yesterday and recommended that Reyes, who has a Grade 2 sprain of the left ankle, stay out of the lineup for a minimum of three weeks.

Do the math, Mets fans: Three weeks from today is Sept. 23, and the season ends Sept. 28. He’s probably done for the year.

Reyes had an additional X-ray yesterday, which was negative. The rookie will have a precautionary MRI today.

Reyes hobbled through the Shea clubhouse on metal crutches before yesterday’s win over the Braves. “I feel a lot of pain,” he said.

He didn’t know how long he’d have to wear a compression boot on the ankle. He did say he’d listen to the Mets regarding winter ball. Reyes was planning to play in his native Dominican Republic, which begins around Nov. 1, but his time there could be curtailed now.

*

The Mets will purchase the contracts of second baseman Danny Garcia and infielder Jorge Velandia and recall lefty Jaime Cerda, righty Edwin Almonte and outfielder Prentice Redman.

The club will need to make a move on the 40-man roster to make room for Velandia and Garcia, who hit .333 (39-for-117) for Double-A Binghamton and .266 (102-of-384) for Triple-A Norfolk.

“The overriding decision was whether it’s the beginning of this season or sometime next year, he’ll fit in our plans,” GM Jim Duquette said of Garcia.

Right-hander Orber Moreno joined the club yesterday from Norfolk.

*

Jeff Duncan is 0-for-31, and Mike Piazza is 0-for-14. Pedro Feliciano (blister on middle finger) threw a bullpen session on Sunday and may be available as early as today.