Mets SS Jose Reyes needed 7 stitches in his left hand after being spiked by Florida 1B Mike Jacobs when the former slid head-first during the 6th inning of last night’s 7-3 loss. Reyes is expected to miss the remaining 3 games of this weekend’s series with the Marlins ; his status for Tuesday’s All-Star game has yet to be determined.

Asked about Reyes’ attempt to reach first with a head-first dive, Keith Hernandez grumbled, “we saw too much of that with Roberto Alomar,” and I don’t think Mex is wrong. Reyes would reach first faster running hard all the way — and Jacobs would be the one needing stitches to his paw.

(have I ruined your afternoon yet?)

Hard to blame Keith for sounding cranky — someone in the Mets organization is really trying to mess with his head by giving Jose Lima number 17.

Speaking of last night’s Mets starter, Lima was designated for assignment after the game. Ideally, he’ll be assigned to never pick up a baseball again. No word how this might affect his playoff share.

Today’s doubleheader at Shea features four rookie starters ; the Mets’ John Maine versus Florida’s Josh Johnson (7-4, 2.34 ERA) in the opener, while the highly touted Mike Pelfrey takes the hill for New York versus Ricky Nolasco (6-5, 3.97 ERA) in Game Two. The Fish are leading the early game, 1-0 in the fourth, courtesey of a Miguel Cabrera solo HR, his 15th.

The Mets’ NY-Penn League affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones were swept by Staten Island last night, 3-1 and 8-3. Former St. Edwards Hilltoppers C Stephen Puhl had an RBI double in the nightcap, and I suspect the ball is going straight to Cooperstown.

Tonight at Keyspan Park, the first 2500 fans thru the gates for the ‘Clones / State College Spikes game will receive a Dave and Carrie Bobblehead (above), meant to commemorate the post-game wedding of Dave Kerpen and Carrie Fisher. No word from the Cyclones P.R. department whether or not a) the marriage vows will be presided over by Von LMO, or b) which members of the Marbury family will be attendence, so I guess you’ll just have to find out for yourself.