MET NOTES

With the Mets out of the pennant race, day-to-day injuries aren’t that important. Except if Mike Piazza is the one involved.

Piazza didn’t start last night because of a strained abdominal. He’s been playing with the pain since the Mets’ west coast trip a little less than two weeks ago. Last night was the first start he’s missed because of the pain.

“I figured the day off would help him,” Bobby Valentine said before last night’s 6-2 victory over the Phillies.

Piazza feels the subtle pain when he runs or stretches.

“It’s just a very annoying feeling,” Piazza said.

If the pain is the same tonight, Piazza expects to return to the lineup. Vance Wilson caught last night and a had a Piazza-esque two RBIs.

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Since May, Todd Zeile has taken anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling in his sore right elbow. Zeile wouldn’t say for sure, but there is a chance he could need surgery in the offseason on the elbow. Zeile has been hitting better of late. He owns a .333 average (8-for-24) with a homer and five RBIs in his past seven games.

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GM Steve Phillips said he didn’t think top outfield prospect Alex Escboar’s right quad injury was too serious. Escobar DH-ed last night for Triple-A Norfolk. Escobar missed the previous eight games. If healthy, expect him to be recalled after the International League playoffs.