While explaining Willie Randolph’s train of thought that led to John Maine getting tonight’s start against the Pirates instead of Darren Oliver, Newsday’s Anthony Rieber drops a mention of a previously undisclosed injury to the Mets’ Alay Soler.
Willie Randolph learned yesterday Soler had been dealing with a sore right calf for œa couple of weeks, according to coach/translator Juan Lopez.
That was a surprise to Randolph, who said he didn™t know anything was bothering the Cuban righthander.
It™s the third time this season a Mets pitcher has apparently not informed the manager about an injury.
The first was Victor Zambrano, who was pitching with a sore elbow and is out for the season after Tommy John surgery; the second was Maine, who pitched with an inflamed middle finger in his Mets debut on May 2, went on the disabled list soon after and only made it back to the majors last night. Surprisingly.
The New York Daily News’ Adam Rubin predicts that Mike Pelfrey’s big league debut might come during next Saturday’s doubleheader at Shea against the Marlins.
Pelfrey, who had a solid showing at Double-A Binghamton two days ago with special assistant Sandy Johnson watching, will get strong consideration for that start, along with Norfolk’s John Maine and long-reliever Darren Oliver. Two of those three pitchers could be called upon Saturday if Martinez is shut down until after the All-Star Break.
Pelfrey (above) regularly hit 96 mph with his fastball while limiting New Hampshire to one run and two hits in seven innings. He still needs to refine his curveball, but that might not prevent the Mets from promoting him. An MLB staffer said the league wanted Pelfrey to participate in next weekend’s Futures Game for prospects in Pittsburgh, but officials were told he was unavailable because of potentially looming major-league duty.