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New York Mets

8/16/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday by the New York Mets with a minor strain in his right calf. The three-time Cy Young Award winner was examined in New York on Tuesday, one day after the injury forced him out of his start against the Philadelphia Phillies following the worst first inning of his career.

8/15/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

The Mets ace tweaked his calf during warmups Monday, got roughed up for six runs and left his terrible outing against Philadelphia after getting only three outs. "The concern, obviously, is that he's OK," Mets manager Willie Randolph said. "I want to wait and see when the dust settles where we stand."

8/14/2006

Billy Wagner, nym

Wagner's save Sunday was his 312th, moving him into sole possession of 15th place on baseball's career list. Robb Nen ranks 14th with 314.

8/13/2006

Cliff Floyd, nym

New York Mets manager Willie Randolph said on Saturday Floyd is "not even close to playing." The team is considering shutting him down for a while in hopes of saving his season. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday.

8/11/2006

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran did not play for the Mets in a 7-3 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday, as manager Willie Randolph gave him the day off to rest his sore knees. He is expected to return to the lineup for Friday's contest with the Washington Nationals.

Endy Chavez, nym

Chavez went 2-for-4 with one RBI and two stolen bases for the Mets in a 7-3 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday. The center fielder went 3-for-3 with an RBI in Wednesday's 4-3 win.

8/10/2006

Lastings Milledge, nym

Milledge did not play for the Mets in Thursday's 7-3 win over the San Diego Padres, after he went 0-for-2 with two walks and two strikeouts in Wednesday's 4-3 win against them. The 21-year-old right fielder has gone 3-for-22 (.136) with two RBIs in eight games, since being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Aug. 1.

8/9/2006

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd got some treatment for his tender Achilles' tendon and is day to day. Manager Willie Randolph doesn't think Floyd will have to go on the DL.

8/7/2006

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd still felt some tenderness in his Achilles' tendon and did not start Sunday's game. He hopes to be ready by Tuesday when the Mets open up a three-game set with the San Diego Padres.

David Wright, nym

Wright signed a six-year $55 million contract extension with the New York Mets Sunday. The Mets' third baseman is hitting .308 with 22 home runs and 82 RBIs this season. He has stolen 11 bases and was also voted the starting third baseman for the NL All-Star team

8/4/2006

Mike DiFelice, nym

DiFelice was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk by the Mets on Friday to replace injured catcher Ramon Castro, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle.

Ramon Castro, nym

Castro was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Mets on Friday due to a strained left oblique muscle. The catcher suffered the injury during batting practice last weekend in Atlanta. The Mets have recalled catcher Mike DiFelice from Triple-A Norfolk to backup starter Paul Lo Duca.

8/3/2006

Jose Reyes, nym

Reyes signed a $23.25 million, four-year contract extension with the Mets on Thursday. The shortstop avoided salary arbitration after this season by signing the contract. "I think it's going to be great for me and my family," Reyes said. "I know that I'm going to be there for a long time."

David Wright, nym

Wright went 0-for-5 for the Mets in a 6-5 win over the Florida Marlins on Wednesday. The third baseman has gone 2-for-17 (.118) with no extra base hits or RBIs in his last four games.

Brian Bannister, nym

Bannister will make his next rehabilitation start for Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday, as he tries to come back from a strained right hamstring to give the Mets more pitching depth. The right-hander has not pitched since April 26.

8/2/2006

Billy Wagner, nym

Wagner blew his fifth save of the season a walkoff two-run homer to pinch-hitter Josh Willingham in the ninth inning of the Mets' 6-5 loss to the Florida Marlins on Tuesday. It was the closer's first blown save since June 21, spanning nine opportunities in 13 appearances. He is 0-1 with a 2.63 ERA in that span.

Royce Ring, nym

Ring was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk by the Mets on Wednesday, after pitcher Mike Pelfrey was sent to the minor league club.

Lastings Milledge, nym

Milledge was recalled by the Mets from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday and went 0-for-1 with three walks, while starting in right field in New York's 6-5 loss to the Florida Marlins. The 21-year-old prospect was replaced by Endy Chavez for defensive purposes in the ninth inning after Milledge cut his left hand sliding into second base trying to break up a double play.

Mike Pelfrey, nym

The Mets optioned Pelfrey to the minors on Wednesday after the right-hander gave up four runs and seven hits in his last start on Tuesday against the Florida Marlins.

7/31/2006

Roberto Hernandez, nym

After stellar setup man Duaner Sanchez was injured in a taxi accident, the New York Mets quickly found some bullpen help Monday by acquiring Hernandez from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Oliver Perez, nym

After stellar setup man Duaner Sanchez was injured in a taxi accident, the New York Mets quickly found some bullpen help Monday by acquiring Perez from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Duaner Sanchez, nym

Sanchez is out for season for the Mets after suffering a separated shoulder on Sunday, while riding in a cab that got into an accident near the team's hotel in Miami. The reliever is 5-1 with a 2.60 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 55 1-3 innings over 49 relief appearances this season.

7/30/2006

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd was held out of the lineup Sunday with a sore left Achilles'. Chris Woodward replaced Floyd in the Mets' lineup. Floyd, who returned from the disabled list with a sprained left ankle on June 30, is listed as day to day with the sore Achilles'. The Mets are off Monday before opening a series at Florida on Tuesday.

Carlos Delgado, nym

Delgado was in the Mets' starting lineup Sunday against the Atlanta Braves after a bruised right knee forced him out of Saturday's game. X-rays on Delgado's knee were negative, allowing him to start at first base, batting fourth, Sunday.

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran tied a major league record Sunday with his third grand slam this month. Beltran's second-inning slam was his 31st homer and New York's record-tying sixth slam this month. The drive gave the Mets a 7-0 lead and broke the club record for most homers by a center fielder in a season. Beltran became the ninth player in major league history to hit three grand slams in a calendar month, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

7/25/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez (sore hip) is expected to return to the rotation Friday in Atlanta, and Mets manager Willie Randolph said the team will go to a six-man rotation for now.

7/19/2006

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran hit his second grand slam in as many games in Tuesday's 8-3 win over Cincinnati. The Mets' center fielder, who also connected in Sunday's 13-7 win over the Chicago Cubs, became the 23rd major leaguer to hit grand slams in consecutive games.

7/17/2006

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd and teammate Carlos Beltran each hit grand slams, and David Wright smacked a two-run shot as the Mets totaled 11 runs in the sixth inning of a 13-7 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. "It was just amazing to keep going like that," Floyd said. "You never think you're going to score 11 runs in one inning."

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran and teammate Cliff Floyd each hit grand slams, and David Wright smacked a two-run shot as the Mets totaled 11 runs in the sixth inning of a 13-7 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.

Heath Bell, nym

The Mets recalled Bell from Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday and optioned Henry Owens to Double-A Binghamton.

7/15/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez went to a hospital and needed an IV after developing a fever following Friday's game against the Cubs. Martinez returned to the team Saturday and was stretching in the outfield before the game at Wrigley Field. He's been on the disabled list since July 6 with an inflamed right hip. Martinez had been battling food poisoning from eating bad chicken over the All-Star break.

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

The Mets signed infielder Edgardo Alfonzo, a star on their 2000 World Series team, to a minor league contract Saturday and assigned him to Triple-A Norfolk. Alfonzo played for the Mets from 1995-2002 and is third on the team's career hits list with 1,136, seventh on the home run list with 120 and fifth on the RBIs list with 538.

7/10/2006

Jose Reyes, nym

Reyes will not play for the National League in Tuesday's All-Star game because of a deep cut on his left pinkie. The Mets' shortstop was injured in Friday's 7-3 loss to Florida when he made a headfirst slide into first base and appeared to get spiked. He required seven stitches to close the wound on his finger.

7/8/2006

Jose Lima, nym

Lima was designated for assignment on Friday after he made an emergency start in place of the injured Pedro Martinez. Lima threw three-plus innings before departing New York's 7-3 loss to Florida, giving up seven runs and seven hits. He has an ERA of 9.87 in four starts with the Mets.

Jose Reyes, nym

Reyes left the Mets' 7-3 loss to Florida on Friday night in the seventh inning after suffering a cut on his left pinky. He made a headfirst slide into first base and appeared to get spiked. X-rays were negative and he required seven stitches to close the wound on his finger.

7/6/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez was placed on the disabled list by the Mets on Thursday because of pain in his right hip. The move is retroactive to June 29. He missed his scheduled start on Monday and can rest the injury over the All-Star break. The right-hander aggravated the injury in May when he slipped in the bathroom and fell on his hip while changing his shirt. He recently received a cortisone injection in the hip to subdue some of the pain.

7/5/2006

Jose Lima, nym

The Mets purchased Lima's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday and optioned reliever Heath Bell to their top farm club.

Billy Wagner, nym

Wagner earned his 300th save in the Mets' 7-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.

Heath Bell, nym

Bell was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday when right-hander Jose Lima was recalled.

7/3/2006

Tom Glavine, nym

Glavine was selected to his 10th All-Star team Sunday as one of the eight starting pitchers on the National League roster. He is 11-2 with a 3.34 ERA this season.

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez was selected to his eighth All-Star team Sunday as one of the eight starting pitchers on the National League roster. He is 7-4 with a 3.45 ERA this season.

Paul Lo Duca, nym

Lo Duca was selected to his fourth All-Star team Sunday and will start at catcher for the National League. He is hitting .288 with three homers and 25 RBIs this season.

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran was selected to his third All-Star team Sunday and will start in the outfield for the National League. He is hitting .293 with 24 homers and 64 RBIs this season.

Jose Reyes, nym

Reyes was selected to his first All-Star team Sunday and will start at shortstop for the National League. He is hitting .291 with eight homers and 39 RBIs this season.

David Wright, nym

Wright was selected to his first All-Star team Sunday and will start at third base for the National League. He is hitting .324 with 18 homers and 66 RBIs this season.

7/1/2006

Cliff Floyd, nym

The Mets on Friday activated Floyd from the 15-day disabled list and optioned outfielder Lastings Milledge to Triple-A Norfolk. Floyd, who was placed on the DL on June 10 with a sprained left ankle, started and batted fifth against the New York Yankees.

Lastings Milledge, nym

Milledge was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday when the Mets activated left fielder Cliff Floyd from the 15-day disabled list.

6/30/2006

Oliver Perez, nym

Perez was demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, just two days after the opening-day starter was sent to the bullpen. The Pirates' left-hander is 2-10 with a 6.63 ERA in 15 starts this season and has lost five straight, allowing five or more runs in three of those outings. "We hope that by making a series of starts down there, he can regain his consistency," Pirates manager Jim Tracy said.

6/28/2006

Oliver Perez, nym

Perez was demoted to Pittsburgh's bullpen Tuesday after going 2-10 with a 6.63 ERA in 15 starts this season. The Pirates' left-hander had lost five straight starts, allowing five or more runs in three of those outings. Pittsburgh pitching coach Jim Colborn said a move to the bullpen may help Perez remain more calm and consistent. "Maybe (it will help) not having to sit around and dwell too much on some of the information that's been passed along to him," Colburn said.

6/26/2006

Jose Reyes, nym

Reyes went 4-for-5, including a home run, in Sunday's 7-4 victory over Toronto to extend his hitting streak to 13 games. The Mets' shortstop is batting .561 (32-for-57) during that span and earned NL player of the week honors on Monday.

6/25/2006

Duaner Sanchez, nym

Sanchez is day-to-day with a pinched nerve in his neck, New York announced Saturday. The Mets' right-handed reliever threw just two pitches in the eighth inning of Friday's win over Toronto before leaving with the injury. He was evaluated by team doctors on Saturday and an MRI on his right shoulder was negative.

6/24/2006

Paul Lo Duca, nym

Lo Duca left Saturday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays due to a bruised left thumb. The Mets catcher, who is listed as day-to-day, was replaced by Ramon Castro in the third inning. Lo Duca is hitting .280 with three homers and 22 RBIs in 55 games this season.

6/23/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez won for only the second time since April 28 in the Mets' 6-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. The New York right-hander allowed two runs and struck out eight over six innings.

David Wright, nym

Wright hit a pair of two-run homers as New York beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-2 on Thursday.

6/22/2006

Jose Reyes, nym

Reyes hit for the cycle Wednesday night against the Cincinnati Reds, becoming the ninth player in Mets history to accomplish the feat. The 23-year-old shortstop homered to lead off the game, doubled in the third, tripled into right-center in the fifth and grounded a single into center field in the eighth in New York's 6-5 loss.

6/18/2006

Tom Glavine, nym

Glavine became the first pitcher in the majors to win 10 games this season when he won his eighth game in a row for the Mets in a 9-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. The left-hander yielded four runs and nine hits with six strikeouts in six innings of the win to improve to 10-2 with a 3.48 ERA.

6/15/2006

Billy Wagner, nym

Wagner converted his seventh consecutive save opportunity throwing a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout in the Mets' 5-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. The left-hander has not allowed a run in 12 1-3 innings over his last 11 appearances.

David Wright, nym

Wright hit a home run in his third consecutive game when he hit a three-run shot in a 5-4 Mets' win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. The third baseman has gone 15-for-38 (.395) with four homers and 12 RBIs in the last nine games.

6/13/2006

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran was named the NL player of the week after going 14-for-29 (.483) with three homers, 12 RBIs, 13 runs and five stolent bases in seven games for the Mets.

6/12/2006

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

Alfonzo was released from the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday after struggling since the team signed him last month. The second baseman hit just .162 with Toronto after being released by the Los Angeles Angels. "The guys loved him, but he's slowed down a little bit. No question," manager John Gibbons said. "It's a business. Everybody knows that."

6/8/2006

Tom Glavine, nym

Glavine won his seventh consecutive for the Mets when he yielded six runs and seven hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 9-7 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. It was his shortest outing of the season, but the left-hander has received increased run support and bullpen help this season.

Oliver Perez, nym

Perez lost his second consecutive start for the Pirates, allowing nine runs and five hits with one home run and four walks in two innings of a 16-9 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. The 24-year-old left-hander surrendered five runs and nine hits with one home run in three innings of a 7-0 rain-shortened loss to the San Diego Padres on June 2 in his previous start.

Lastings Milledge, nym

Milledge went 2-for-4 with a triple, a home run and three RBIs for the Mets in a 9-7 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. He has hit two homers in the last four games.

6/5/2006

David Wright, nym

Wright went 2-for-5 with two solo shots and three runs scored in the Mets' 7-6 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. The third baseman has gone 12-for-34 (.412) with five doubles, seven RBIs and seven runs in the last eight games.

Lastings Milledge, nym

Milledge went 3-for-4 with his first career home run and three RBIs for the Mets in a 7-6 loss in 12 innings to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. He is playing right field in the absence of Xavier Nady, who is on the disabled list after undergoing an appendectomy.

5/30/2006

Lastings Milledge, nym

Milledge was called up by the New York Mets on Tuesday after starting right fielder Xavier Nady was placed on the disabled list following an appendectomy earlier in the day. Milledge was penciled in the starting lineup, playing right field and batting eighth. Because of travel difficulties, he still hadn't gotten to Shea Stadium two hours before the scheduled first pitch.

5/29/2006

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

The Toronto Blue Jays called up veteran infielder Edgardo Alfonzo from Double-A New Hampshire on Monday and placed utility infielder John McDonald on the 15-day disabled list with a strained groin. Alfonzo, who signed a minor league contract with Toronto on Thursday, was released by the Los Angeles Angels earlier this month after batting .100 in 18 games.

5/27/2006

Tom Glavine, nym

Glavine won his sixth consecutive start, allowing three runs and six hits with nine strikeouts in 7 2-3 innings of a 7-4 victory over the Florida Marlins on Saturday. The 40-year-old left-hander has a 2.43 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 40 2-3 innings during the winning streak.

David Wright, nym

Wright went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs in the Mets' 7-4 win over the Florida Marlins on Saturday, after missing Friday's 5-1 loss with back spasms. The 23-year-old third baseman is 14-for-32 (.438) with three homers and eight RBIs in his last seven games.

5/25/2006

Orlando Hernandez, nym

The New York Mets acquired Hernandez from Arizona on Wednesday in exchange for reliever Jorge Julio. Hernandez spent his first seven seasons with the New York Yankees and then the Chicago White Sox, but has struggled in his first season in the National League. The right-hander had a 2-4 record with a 6.11 ERA in nine starts for the Diamondbacks. Hernandez, listed as 36 years old, was told he might start this weekend against Florida.

Dave Williams, nym

Williams was acquired by the New York Mets with an undisclosed amount of cash from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for minor league pitcher Robert Manuel. The 27-year-old left-hander was 2-3 with a 7.20 ERA, allowing hitters a .321 batting average with nine homers in eight starts for the Reds this season.

5/20/2006

Jose Lima, nym

The New York Mets designated Lima for assignment Friday after just three starts. The 33-year-old right-hander was 0-3 with an 8.79 ERA this season.

Brian Bannister, nym

Bannister is returning to extended spring training to rehabilitate the right hamstring he hurt April 26 while running the bases in San Francisco. The Mets' rookie had left a start for Triple-A Norfolk after only five pitches Thursday with tightness in the hamstring, but tests failed to reveal a new or more serious injury.

5/18/2006

Brian Bannister, nym

Bannister left a rehab start for Triple-A Norfolk after only five pitches Thursday due to tightness in his right hamstring. The Mets' rookie right-hander has been on the disabled list nearly three weeks and was expected to make one more rehab start before returning to the New York rotation. Now he will undergo an MRI exam on Friday before the Mets have any sense of when he might return.

5/15/2006

Victor Zambrano, nym

Zambrano underwent surgery Monday to replace a torn ligament in his right elbow. The Mets' right-hander will miss the rest of the season. Zambrano was injured May 6 in a game against the Atlanta Braves. He finishes the season at 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA in five starts.

5/4/2006

Ricky Ledee, nym

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed Ledee on the 15-day disabled list with a pulled left groin. The reserve outfielder hurt his groin on a checked-swing third strike in the seventh inning of a 3-2 loss at Arizona on Monday night. Ledee is 8-for-31 (.258) with a homer and seven RBIs this season.

4/29/2006

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran was expected to start for the Mets when they played the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night. Beltran was listed as playing center field and batting in the third spot. It was his first action since aggravating a hamstring injury on April 20. He was hitting .278 with three homers and nine RBIs.

4/28/2006

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran is out of the Mets' lineup for a sixth straight game Friday night. He isn't on the field for the Pedro Martinez-John Smoltz matchup in Friday's opener of a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves.

Yusaku Iriki, nym

Iriki was suspended for 50 games Friday after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, making him the first player to be penalized under Major League Baseball's toughened steroid rules. The 33-year-old right-hander signed with the Mets in January after a long career in Japan. He was 1-2 with a 3.74 ERA in four starts for Triple-A Norfolk.

Brian Bannister, nym

The New York Mets placed Bannister on the 15-day disabled list Friday for the strained hamstring he suffered running the bases in his Wednesday start. The 25-year-old right-hander was diagnosed as having a Grade I strain -- the most mild.

4/26/2006

Brian Bannister, nym

Bannister suffered a strained right hamstring running the bases Wednesday, during the sixth inning of the New York Mets' 11-inning victory over the San Francisco Giants. The Mets' rookie right-hander came up lame approaching third base, hobbled towards home, fell to the ground after crossing the plate and left the game.

4/24/2006

Carlos Beltran, nym

After playing a few innings Thursday and making a pinch-hitting appearance Friday, Beltran was out of the Mets' lineup again Saturday and Sunday because of his right hamstring injury. The New York center fielder said over the weekend that the hammy is still too tender to resume playing. He hasn't played regularly since April 15 and remains day-to-day.

4/21/2006

Julio Franco, nym

Franco stroked a two-run pinch-hit homer Thursday in the Mets' 7-2 win over the San Diego Padres. The dinger made him the oldest player in major league history to hit a home run. Franco, playing in his 22nd big league season, turns 48 on Aug. 23. "That won't be the last home run I hit, and I hope I hit one when I'm 50," said Franco, who has four career pinch-hit homers.

4/20/2006

Anderson Hernandez, nym

Before the Mets opened a weekend series with the Padres Thursday night, Kaz Matsui came off the disabled list and Hernandez went on it with a bulging disc. The Hernandez move was retroactive to Tuesday. The Mets' rookie infielder had been a late scratch before Tuesday's loss to Atlanta because of back spasms.

4/19/2006

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd, who is receiving treatment for a muscle strain in his left rib cage, sat out losses to Atlanta Tuesday and Wednesday. The Mets' outfielder was injured Monday night but hopes to return when New York opens a four-game series in San Diego Thursday.

Carlos Beltran, nym

Although Beltran sat out his fourth straight game Wednesday with tightness in his right hamstring, the Mets' center fielder doesn't think he'll need to go on the disabled list. He is riding an exercise bike and feels better. Beltran believes warmer weather would help him return sooner, and he hopes to be ready when the Mets open a four-game set in San Diego Thursday.

4/18/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez claimed his 200th career win Monday, working 6 2/3 innings and allowing three runs in the Mets' 4-3 victory over Atlanta. The Mets' right-hander walked two and fanned eight while boosting his career record to 200-84.

4/16/2006

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran sat out the Mets' 9-3 win against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday because of tightness in his right hamstring. The New York center fielder was hurt Saturday when he nearly collided in a play at first base with the Brewers' Prince Fielder. Beltran left in the eighth inning and later said of the injury, "To me, it's nothing major."

4/13/2006

David Wright, nym

Wright went 3-for-5 with his third homer of the season in the Mets' 13-4 win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday. New York banged out 16 hits -- four of those home runs -- and moved to 7-1 on the season.

4/11/2006

Brian Bannister, nym

Bannister allowed one earned run and three hits, striking out one, to earn his first major league win in the Mets' 7-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday.

4/10/2006

David Wright, nym

Wright became the first player in Mets history to drive in a run in each of the club's first five games of a season. The third baseman had three RBIs against the Marlins on Sunday and is batting .474 with two homers and nine RBIs through the first five games.

4/7/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez plunked Washington outfielder Jose Guillen with pitches twice Thursday, initiating a near-brawl when Guillen headed for the mound with bat in hand after the second time. Guillen went halfway to the mound and pointed his bat at Martinez, but he was corralled by plate umpire Ted Barrett and Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca. Players came on the field, but no punches were thrown.

3/31/2006

Brian Bannister, nym

Bannister, son of former big league lefty Floyd, beat out Aaron Heilman for the Mets' fifth-starter job and will make his major league debut on April 9 against Florida. The 25-year-old rookie was 13-5 with a 2.74 ERA in 26 starts for Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Norfolk last season.

3/30/2006

Michael Tucker, nym

The Washington Nationals granted Tucker his unconditional release Thursday after the veteran outfielder lost a bid for a bench job to Daryle Ward. Tucker hit .158 (6-for-38) with a triple as his only extra-base hit this spring. Ward batted .273 with four home runs in 20 games.

Billy Wagner, nym

Wagner, who has been out nearly two weeks with a strained sheath tendon in his left middle finger, may return to action for the Mets this Saturday. The Westchester Journal News is reporting that the Mets will be conservative with their left-handed closer, who isn't expected to work on back-to-back days anytime soon.

Tike Redman, nym

The Mets have released Redman, the former Pirates outfield prospect who was acquired by New York in a November trade. Redman batted .260 (13-for-50) with four doubles, a triple and nine RBIs in 24 games this spring, but lost out to Endy Chavez for a reserve role with the Mets.

3/26/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez threw 35 pitches in three scoreless innings of his spring debut for the Mets on Sunday. Martinez allowed one hit and fanned two.

3/23/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez said on Wednesday that he doesn't expect to be ready for the Mets' opener against the Washington Nationals. A nagging injury to his right toe has slowed his preparation for the season. Martinez has not made a spring training start, and the three-time Cy Young Award winner said he needed at least two outings to be ready to face the Nationals on April 3.

3/19/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Mets ace Martinez said he will throw in the bullpen or batting practice on Sunday. He has been slowed by a sore right toe.

Orlando Hernandez, nym

Hernandez will make his next start for the Diamondbacks, scheduled for Monday, despite a stiff neck and back.

Yusaku Iriki, nym

Mets pitcher Iriki allowed five runs and five walks in 3 2/3 innings on Saturday against the Nationals.

Lastings Milledge, nym

Highly touted prospect Milledge hit his first homer of the spring for the Mets on Saturday against the Nationals.

3/18/2006

Anderson Hernandez, nym

Hernandez may get a chance to start at second base to open the season. The Mets' prospect or fellow rookie Jeff Keppinger will get the assignment after Kaz Matsui sprained the MCL in his right knee while sliding Thursday. Matsui will not take part in baseball activities for the next three weeks.

3/17/2006

Jeff Keppinger, nym

Kaz Matsui injured a knee Thursday and is expected to miss opening day. The injury creates an opportunity for Keppinger, who could start at second base for the Mets when the season begins. Keppinger batted .337 with a .377 on-base percentage in 64 games at Triple-A Norfolk in 2005. He is 8-for-30 (.267) with five doubles, a triple and six walks in 11 games this spring.

3/15/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez showed no ill effects after throwing 61 pitches in his first stint on the mound against live batters. The Mets' ace threw to two Mets minor leaguers as part of his rehab for damaged cartilage in his right toe. Martinez said he will throw batting practice on Sunday.

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd, who has been tested for possible kidney malfunction, said he has been cleared to return to practice. The Mets' outfielder was being tested after his kidney function was down markedly, but he said it's a situation that can be treated with medication and won't put him out of action. Floyd said an exam by Dr. Zeidy Roche showed his kidneys' efficiency at 65 percent, a marked improvement after a team physical showed only 48 percent efficiency.

3/14/2006

Carlos Delgado, nym

El Nuevo Dia in San Juan is reporting that Delgado took some practice swings under the stands of Hiram Bithorn Stadium Monday, but didn't appear comfortable taking his cuts. The Mets' first baseman has been bothered by elbow tendinitis for much of the spring, and his status for Puerto Rico's elimination game against Cuba Wednesday is uncertain.

Juan Padilla, nym

Padilla will miss the entire 2006 season because of an elbow injury. The Mets' right-hander, a former Yankees prospect who has a history of arm injuries, is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. In a brief stint with the Mets in 2005, Padilla was 3-1 with a save and a 1.49 ERA in 24 relief appearances.

3/11/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez threw 81 pitches in a Saturday bullpen session, pausing three times to simulate a real-game experience. Martinez has battled through a sore right big toe this spring. It was his fifth time throwing off a mound, but he has not faced live batters this spring.

3/10/2006

Carlos Delgado, nym

Delgado didn't play in the first round of the World Baseball Classic because of elbow tendinitis that has bothered him in spring training. The general manager of the Puerto Rican team, Lou Melendez, says Delgado is feeling better, but the Mets' first baseman has returned to Port St. Lucie to be examined by New York's medical staff. Delgado is scheduled to return to Puerto Rico Friday for a team practice on Saturday.

3/9/2006

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd has undergone tests on his kidneys after abnormalities were found in his urine. There is a history of kidney problems in the family of the Mets' outfielder, so team officials are taking the results of a recent urine sample seriously. The Mets await the findings of an ultrasound conducted by a nephrologist to gauge his kidney function.

3/8/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez moved closer to facing batters Wednesday, when he threw his longest bullpen session of the spring. The Mets' right-hander nearly doubled his single-session output by throwing 62 pitches. After his bullpen work, he said his right big toe "felt a little bit uncomfortable," but not enough to keep him from continuing his rehab and his preparation to face hitters. "I could get into a game right now and throw a strike," Martinez said. "I feel better."

3/7/2006

Roberto Hernandez, nym

Hernandez hasn't pitched in an exhibition game because of a sore right shoulder, but he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he is almost ready to work in a game. The Pirates' reliever threw on the side Sunday and is expected to do so again Tuesday.

Carlos Delgado, nym

Delgado could miss Puerto Rico's first game in the World Baseball Classic with elbow tendinitis. The Mets' first baseman was to make his decision Tuesday after receiving treatment for the ailment. He missed Sunday's exhibition game between the Puerto Rican team and his Mets in Florida.

3/1/2006

Bret Boone, nym

Boone retired Wednesday, roughly two weeks after reporting to the New York Mets' camp for spring training. The 36-year-old second baseman had signed a minor league deal with the Mets early in January. He retires less than three years after a .294-35-117 season with Seattle in 2003.

2/28/2006

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez threw from the top of a mound for the first time in spring training Tuesday. The Mets' right-hander, who has been bothered by a toe injury since last season, threw 34 pitches to catcher Bobby Estalella with coaches looking on. Reportedly none of Martinez's offerings were thrown at full speed, but it was a step forward after throwing off the slope of the mound last week.

2/14/2006

Jose Lima, nym

Lima agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Mets Tuesday and will receive a $600,000, one-year contract if added to the 40-man roster. The 33-year-old right-hander went 5-16 with a 6.99 ERA last season in 32 starts for the Kansas City Royals.

2/13/2006

Shingo Takatsu, nym

Takatsu is returning to Japan after signing a contract with the Yakult Swallows of Japan's Central League. The closer spent time with the White Sox and the Mets in 2005, going 2-2 with eight saves and a 5.20 ERA in 36.1 innings pitched.

1/21/2006

John Maine, nym

Maine and setup man Jorge Julio were traded from the Orioles to the Mets for starting pitcher Kris Benson.

1/20/2006

Kazuhisa Ishii, nym

Ishii has decided to return to Japan after spending four seasons in the major leagues. The starter was released by the Mets in December and agreed to a two-year contract with the Central League's Yakult Swallows.

1/17/2006

Victor Zambrano, nym

Zambrano signed a $3 million, one-year deal with the Mets on Monday, earning a raise of $900,000. Zambrano went 7-12 with a 4.17 ERA in 27 starts and four relief appearances for New York.

1/16/2006

Oliver Perez, nym

Perez bypassed salary arbitration Monday by agreeing to a one-year contract with the Pirates worth approximately $1.9 million. The left-hander went 7-5 with a 5.85 ERA last season, but was sidelined for nearly two months with a broken toe after he kicked a laundry cart following a June 26 start in St. Louis.

1/10/2006

Ramon Castro, nym

Castro and the New York Mets agreed Tuesday to an $800,000, one-year contract. The backup catcher hit .244 in 99 games last season with eight home runs and 41 RBIs for the Mets. Castro's deal allows him to earn $50,000 bonuses for 60, 70 and 80 games played.

12/23/2005

Endy Chavez, nym

Chavez and the New York Mets agreed to a $500,000, one-year contract Friday. The 27-year-old outfielder split time last season with Washington and Philadelphia, batting .216 with no homers and 11 RBIs in 116 at-bats.

12/22/2005

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

The San Francisco Giants have traded Alfonzo to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for veteran outfielder Steve Finley. The infielder, who was limited to 109 games by quadriceps and neck injuries in 2005, finished the season batting .277 with two home runs and 43 RBIs. He is scheduled to earn $7 million in 2006.

12/15/2005

Roberto Hernandez, nym

Hernandez finalized his $2.75 million, one-year contract with the Pirates on Thursday after the reliever passed a physical. The veteran chose the Pirates over the Yankees because he expects to pitch in more late-inning situations with Pittsburgh.

12/8/2005

Jose Valentin, nym

Valentin signed a one-year $912,500 contract with the New York Mets on Thursday. The Mets expect Valentin to provide depth for the infield.

Dave Williams, nym

The Pirates have traded Williams to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for first baseman Sean Casey and cash. The 26-year-old left-hander finished 2005 with a 10-11 record and a 4.41 ERA in 25 starts.

12/5/2005

Paul Lo Duca, nym

The Florida Marlins traded Lo Duca to the New York Mets Monday for minor league right-hander Gaby Hernandez and another prospect. The 33-year-old catcher is owed $6.25 million in each of the next two seasons from the Mets, and Florida will remain responsible for the $1 million of his signing bonus, which is due to be paid Nov. 30, 2008. Lo Duca, who will replace Mike Piazza, batted .283 with six homers and 57 RBIs last season.

11/28/2005

Billy Wagner, nym

Wagner has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $43 million contract with the New York Mets, with an option for a fifth year. In 2005 with the Philadelphia Phillies, Wagner was 4-3 with a 1.51 ERA in 75 appearances, converting 38 of 41 save opportunities.

Tike Redman, nym

The Mets purchased the contract of Redman from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 28-year-old outfielder hit .251/.292/.332 with two home runs and 26 RBIs in 319 at-bats, plus four stolen bases in five attempts.

11/25/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

The Marlins' slugger was traded to the New York Mets Thursday for first baseman Mike Jacobs and two minor league players. He hit .301 with 33 HRs and 115 RBIs in his lone season with the Marlins.

11/19/2005

Tike Redman, nym

The Pirates removed Redman from their 40-man roster on Saturday, meaning the team now has 10 days to release or trade the outfielder. Redman started the season as the starting center fielder, but lost his job after Pittsburgh called up Chris Duffy. Redman ended up hitting .251 with two home runs and 26 RBIs in 135 games.

11/5/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

The Palm Beach Post is reporting that with the Marlins likely to trim payroll for 2006, the club may start shopping Delgado and Mike Lowell when the annual general manager meetings take place next week. Delgado hit .301 for Florida in 2005 with 33 home runs and 115 RBIs.

Billy Wagner, nym

Wagner, who has filed for free agency, met with New York Mets executives at his Virginia home this week. The reliever said the meeting went well, but he also has had early discussions with other teams, including the Detroit Tigers. Philadelphia is trying to retain the closer, who was 4-3 with a 1.51 ERA and 38 saves in 41 opportunities for the Phillies in 2005.

11/3/2005

Tike Redman, nym

Redman exercised his $4.95 option to remain a member of the Pirates for 2006 He finished this year at 5-15, 4.90 in 178.1 innings

11/1/2005

Steve Trachsel, nym

Trachsel will return to the Mets for 2006 after the team exercised its $2.5 million option on the veteran righthander, who was celebrating his 35th birthday yesterday.

10/26/2005

Orlando Hernandez, nym

Hernandez departed Chicago's World Series Game 3 victory over Houston with a sore neck. The veteran righthander left after walking the first batter he faced in the 10th inning. He had worked a hitless inning and struck out two, but he walked four of the seven batters he faced.

10/24/2005

Dave Williams, nym

Williams avoided salary arbitration and agreed to a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday. He secured the Pirates' fifth-starter role late in spring training and went on to lead the Pittsburgh staff in wins. The 26-year-old lefthander finished 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 25 starts. He missed his final four starts with a left ribcage strain.

9/26/2005

Orlando Hernandez, nym

Hernandez admitted on Sunday that he has been bothered by a sore right knee of late. The White Sox' righthander has struggled in September, and Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has replaced him in the rotation with rookie Brandon McCarthy.

9/25/2005

Tom Glavine, nym

Glavine tossed eight innings of four-hit ball against the Washington Nationals Saturday for a 5-2 win, the 274th of his career. The victory, his 12th of the year, moved him past Red Ruffing at 29th on the all-time wins list.

9/23/2005

Pedro Martinez, nym

The New York Mets reportedly are considering shutting down Martinez for the rest of the season. The righthander has been nursing a sore foot recently, and since the team has no shot at the playoffs, there is no reason for put any unneeded stress on his body, especially his pitching arm.

9/17/2005

Cliff Floyd, nym

Cliff Floyd's third-inning home run off of Tim Hudson in the Mets' Saturday loss to the Braves was his 31st of the season, tying his career high. Floyd also hit 31 homers in 2001, when he was with the Florida Marlins.

Dae-Sung Koo, nym

The Mets designated Koo for assignment on Saturday, and now have 10 days to trade, release or send the pitcher outright to the minors. Koo has appeared in 33 games with the Mets this season, all in relief, posting a 0-0 record and 3.91 ERA.

Anderson Hernandez, nym

The Mets purchased Hernandez' contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday. With the Mets all but out of the N.L. wild-card race, the 22-year-old infielder should see some playing time at second base, as Kaz Matsui and Chris Woodward are battling injuries.

9/14/2005

Cliff Floyd, nym

Nursing a sore left hamstring, Floyd sat out the Mets' win over the Cardinals Sunday as well as their series opener with the Nationals on Tuesday. It was thought that Floyd would be ready to return to left field against Washington Tuesday, but he still felt some tightness in the hammy before the game. He remains day-to-day.

9/12/2005

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd is nursing a sore left hamstring, so the left fielder sat out the Mets' 7-2 win over the Cardinals on Sunday. Saying the injury feels more like a cramp, Floyd said he expects to play on Tuesday, when the Mets open a series at home against the Washington Nationals. He is batting .275 with 29 home runs and 85 RBI this season.

9/9/2005

Paul Lo Duca, nym

Lo Duca reinjured his right hamstring last Wednesday, which will likely cut down on his availability through the end of the season. Lo Duca is hitting .293 with four homers and 50 RBI in 117 games this year.

9/7/2005

Dave Williams, nym

Williams will not make his scheduled start against Arizona on Thursday, bothered by a ribcage injury and a tired arm. It's possible that the 26-year-old lefthander will be shut down for the season. In 25 starts this season, Williams is 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA.

Victor Zambrano, nym

With a 5.50 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in his last six starts, Zambrano has been relegated to the New York Mets' bullpen. The move makes room for both Jae Seo and Steve Trachsel in the Mets' rotation.

Oliver Perez, nym

Perez will make his first major league start Friday since breaking a toe when he kicked a laundry cart on June 26. Pittburgh's southpaw will face Cincinnati at Great American Park. The Pirates had targeted Sunday for Perez' return, but he was moved up to Friday after fellow lefthander Zach Duke suffered a setback with a sprained ankle and had to be scratched from an anticipated Friday return.

9/2/2005

Matt Perisho, nym

The Boston Red Sox recalled Perisho from Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday. The 30-year-old reliever was 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA for Florida before he was released with an 11.93 ERA at Triple-A Albuquerque in early August. He was far more effective at Pawtucket, going 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 13 relief appearances.

9/1/2005

Kazuhisa Ishii, nym

As part of their roster expansion, the New York Mets have recalled Ishii from Triple-A Norfolk. The lefthander made 16 starts with the major league club earlier this season, going 3-9 with a 5.04 ERA before being demoted to work on some mechanical problems.

Shingo Takatsu, nym

The New York Mets have purchased Takatsu's contract from Triple-A Norfolk. The 36-year-old righthander inked a minor league deal with the Mets after being released by the Chicago White Sox last month. In 90 major league relief appearances, Takatsu is 7-6 with a 3.46 ERA and 27 saves.

8/30/2005

Ricky Ledee, nym

Ledee had to leave the Dodgers' Monday night game at Wrigley Field when his tender left hamstring gave him trouble. The left hammy has been an ongoing problem for the veteran outfielder all season, and it will remain an issue until the offseason. He is batting .292 with seven homers and 32 RBI in 83 games for the Dodgers.

8/28/2005

Michael Tucker, nym

On Saturday Tucker was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for righthanded pitcher Kevin Pichardo. The Giants were also reported to have sent approximately $50,000 in cash to Philadelphia, along with the veteran outfielder, to help seal the deal. Tucker is batting .240 with 33 RBI in 104 games this season, including 56 starts.

8/25/2005

Jose Reyes, nym

After going 3-for-5 with a triple, home run and four RBI in Wednesday's win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Reyes now has hit safely in his last six games. Over that span, the Mets' shortstop is 13-for-27 (.481) with three home runs, eight RBI and three stolen bases.

David Wright, nym

Wright finished a triple shy of hitting for the cycle in Wednesday's victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, going 4-for-5 with two solo home runs and four runs scored. The Mets' third baseman, who now has three four-hit games and a trio of multihomer games in his major league career, also extended his current hitting streak to six games. Over that span, he is batting .500 (13-for-26).

8/24/2005

Ramon Castro, nym

Castro had a career-high five RBIs against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. The Mets' catcher finished 2-for-5 with a double in New York's 14-1 rout over Arizona.

8/23/2005

Tom Glavine, nym

Glavine was excellent against Arizona on Monday, going eight innings while giving up only one run, five hits and a walk in the Mets' 4-1 victory. Over his last four starts, the veteran lefthander is 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA in 30 innings pitched.

Steve Trachsel, nym

On Tuesday, the Mets activated Trachsel from the 60-day disabled list. The veteran righthander has been sidelined all season since undergoing surgery in March to repair a herniated disc in his back. Trachsel, who is scheduled to take the mound against the San Francisco Giants on Friday, said that his recovery is complete, and that he feels ready to pitch. Reliever Danny Graves was designated for assignment to make room on the roster.

8/22/2005

Eli Marrero, nym

In order to clear room on the 40-man roster for the recently acquired pitcher James Baldwin, Marrero was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. The utilityman has been sidelined since late last month with a thumb injury.

Dae-Sung Koo, nym

Koo has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk by the New York Mets. The 37-year-old lefthanded rookie, who missed nearly a month with soreness in his pitching shoulder after bruising his rotator cuff on a headfirst slide into home plate in a game earlier this season, has made 33 relief appearances with the Mets, posting a 3.91 ERA.

8/21/2005

Mike DiFelice, nym

DiFelice has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk by the New York Mets, replacing veteran catcher Mike Piazza, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday with a broken bone in his left hand. In six games with the Mets earlier this season, DiFelice went 0-for-8 with two strikeouts.

8/18/2005

Steve Trachsel, nym

Trachsel is ready to rejoin the New York Mets' starting rotation, but he will make one more start for Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday before being activated from the 60-day disabled list. The veteran righthander has been sidelined all season with a herniated disc in his lower back.

Jose Santiago, nym

The New York Mets have designated Santiago for assignment, opening a spot on the roster for catcher Mike Jacobs, who was recalled for insurance behind the plate while starter Mike Piazza recovers from a broken hand. Making just four relief appearances with the Mets this season, Santiago posted a 3.18 ERA and 2.12 WHIP.

Carlos Beltran, nym

As he had hoped, Beltran returned to the New York Mets' starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The outfielder, who suffered a slight facial fracture and minor concussion when he collided with teammate Mike Cameron in last Thursday's loss to the San Diego Padres, went 1-for-2 with two walks, two runs scored and a stolen base.

8/17/2005

Oliver Perez, nym

If no problems are reported after Perez throws a simulated game on Wednesday, the Pirates likely will send the lefthander on a minor league rehab assignment as early as this weekend. Perez, who has been sidelined since breaking his toe when he kicked a laundry cart on June 26, should be back in the Pittsburgh rotation by the end of the month.

8/16/2005

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran could return to the Mets' lineup as early as Wednesday after deciding not to have surgery to repair the slight fracture in his face. The outfielder, who suffered the injury when he collided with teammate Mike Cameron in last Thursday's loss to the San Diego Padres, planned to go through a full workout on Tuesday to get a feel on when he might be able to play again. He continues to be listed as day-to-day.

8/15/2005

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez was five outs away from throwing the first no-hitter in New York Mets history on Sunday. But the Dodgers' Antonio Perez drilled a one-out triple to left-center field in the eighth inning, and Jayson Werth followed with a home run to erase a 1-0 Mets lead and give Los Angeles a 2-1 win over New York.

8/14/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

After missing 17 games on the disabled list, Delgado returned to the Marlins' lineup and stroked his 22nd home run of the season, the winning margin in a 2-1 win over the San Francisco Giants.

8/13/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

Delgado is expected to be in the starting lineup on Saturday after being activated from the disabled list. The Marlins' first baseman has missed 17 games with elbow and hand injuries.

John Maine, nym

Maine, who was recalled from Triple-A Ottawa on Friday, picked up his first major league win on Saturday, pitching five scoreless innings in Baltimore's 1-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

8/12/2005

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran was able to walk off the field under his own power after violently colliding with teammate Mike Cameron while going for a ball in the seventh inning of Thursday's loss to the San Diego Padres. The outfield suffered a slight facial fracture, bruised left shoulder and slight concussion, but none of his injuries were serious. Cameron took the worst of the blow, ending up with a broken nose, multiple fractures of both cheekbones and a concussion.

Duaner Sanchez, nym

Due to Yhency Brazoban's recent struggles, the Dodgers will turn to Sanchez and Steve Schmoll in save situations for the time being, according to manager Jim Tracy. In 60 relief appearances this season, Sanchez is 3-4 with a 3.98 ERA. He has yet to record a save in 142 career outings.

Shingo Takatsu, nym

Takatsu, who was released by the Chicago White Sox earlier this month, has signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. The 36-year-old righthander made 31 relief appearances prior to being cut, going 1-2 with a 5.97 ERA and eight saves.

Victor Diaz, nym

With Mike Cameron sidelined indefinitely with a broken nose, multiple fractures of his cheekbones and a slight concussion, the New York Mets have recalled Diaz to fill the void on the roster. The 23-year-old outfielder played in 44 games with the major league club earlier this season, batting .242 with five home runs, 18 RBI and two stolen bases.

8/11/2005

Paul Lo Duca, nym

Barring any setbacks, Lo Duca will be available for this weekend's three-game series against the San Francisco Giants, and he could be back in the lineup as early as Friday. The catcher has been sidelined since he strained his right hamstring running the bases in Florida's 4-3 loss to Cincinnati last Saturday.

David Wright, nym

Wright bumped his season batting average above .300 for the first time since June 10, going 4-for-5 with a double, home run, six RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's victory over the San Diego Padres. The Mets' third baseman matched career highs with his hit and RBI totals.

8/10/2005

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez left a few too many pitches up in the zone during Tuesday's loss to the San Diego Padres, resulting in his shortest outing of the 2005 campaign. The Mets' righthander lasted just five innings, allowing five runs on nine hits, including two home runs. He struck out four and did not walk a batter.

8/9/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

Delgado's sore left elbow and hand continue to improve, and barring any setbacks, he plans to be activated from the 15-day disabled list when eligible on Friday. The Marlins' first baseman, who has been sidelined since late last month, will test out the arm by swinging a bat on Wednesday. If no problems are reported, he likely will take batting practice with the club on Thursday in hopes of being ready for game action shortly thereafter.

8/8/2005

Victor Zambrano, nym

Coming off his worst and shortest outing of the 2005 campaign, Zambrano turned in a solid performance in Sunday's 6-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs. After allowing six runs and four homers in just 1.1 innings of work in last week's meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Mets' righthander bounced back, holding the Cubs to one run on five hits in eight impressive innings. He struck out one and walked two.

Jose Reyes, nym

Reyes had just one single in four at-bats in Sunday's win over the Chicago Cubs, but it was enough to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 20 games -- the longest current streak in the major leagues. Over that span, the Mets' shortstop is batting .374 with four doubles, two triples, nine RBI, 11 stolen bases and 19 runs scored.

8/7/2005

Paul Lo Duca, nym

Lo Duca strained his right hamstring running the bases Saturday in Florida's 4-3 loss to Cincinnati. The Marlins' catcher came up lame trying to advance from second to third base on a flyball to right field in the second inning, and he left the game.

Kazuhisa Ishii, nym

On Saturday, the New York Mets recalled Jae Seo to pitch Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs and optioned Ishii to Triple-A Norfolk. The 31-year-old righthander has gone 3-9 with a 5.04 ERA in 16 starts for the Mets this season.

8/6/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

The Florida Marlins placed Delgado on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday, retroactive to July 28. The first baseman, who has been sidelined with left elbow and hand injuries, took batting practice on Friday and said afterward that while the elbow was improving, the hand wasn't. To take his roster spot, the Marlins have recalled Randy Messenger from Triple-A Albuquerque.

8/3/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

Delgado, who hasn't played since July 27 because of pain in his left elbow, cut short a session in the batting cage Tuesday after feeling more discomfort in the elbow joint. He took eight to 10 swings before stopping. It now appears that the Florida first baseman will not play until the weekend at the earliest.

Oliver Perez, nym

Reports from Pittsburgh indicate that Perez is recuperating slowly from his broken toe, and may not be able to return until September.

8/1/2005

Bret Boone, nym

The Minnesota Twins gave Boone his unconditional release on Monday, just three weeks after acquiring him from the Seattle Mariners. The change of scenery didn't change his fortunes at the plate. The 36-year-old second baseman was 9-for-53 (.170) without an extra-base hit for the Twins. He fanned 13 times, scored three runs, drove in three and committed a couple of costly errors.

Jose Valentin, nym

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Dodgers placed outfielder Jayson Werth on the 15-day disabled list with a left knee injury and activated Valentin from the DL to take Werth's place. Valentin had been out with three ligament tears in his right knee since early May. He's batting .208 with two home runs, 12 RBI and two stolen bases in 25 games.

Shingo Takatsu, nym

Takatsu, who was designated for assignment on July 18 and outrighted to Triple-A Charlotte on July 28, was released by the Chicago White Sox on Monday. The 36-year-old righthander, who never made an appearance for Charlotte, has been cut loose a year after finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year balloting.

7/30/2005

Wil Cordero, nym

Cordero signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets on Saturday, just days after he was waived by the Washington Nationals. The Mets have assigned Cordero to Triple-A Norfolk. Cordero hit just .118 in 29 games with Washington this season.

Eli Marrero, nym

Marrero will miss 6-8 weeks with a thumb injury he suffered Tuesday night in a collision at home plate with Texas catcher Sandy Alomar. The 31-year-old Marrero, who has been used exclusively as an outfielder since joining Baltimore in an early-June trade, was injured trying to complete an inside-the-park homer. Marrero goes on the disabled list with a .181 average, seven doubles, seven homers and 19 RBI in 156 plate appearances between Kansas City and Baltimore.

7/29/2005

Jose Valentin, nym

In 10 minor league rehab games at Triple-A Las Vegas, Valentin is hitting .367 with a pair of homers.

Shingo Takatsu, nym

Takatsu has cleared waivers, and the Chicago White Sox have optioned the reliever to Triple-A Charlotte. The 36-year-old righthander, who struggled during his second major league go-round in 2005, was 1-2 with a 5.97 ERA and eight saves in nine chances.

7/27/2005

David Wright, nym

Wright extended his hitting streak to 13 games, going 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Colorado Rockies. Over that span, the Mets' third baseman is batting .408 with four doubles, four homers, eight RBI and one stolen base.

7/26/2005

Jose Reyes, nym

Reyes extended his current hitting streak to eight games, going 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies. Over that span, the Mets' 22-year-old infielder is batting .457 (16-for-35) with two doubles, two triples and six RBI. He's also been active on the basepaths during the stretch, recording eight steals.

7/25/2005

Wil Cordero, nym

Cordero, who was designated for assignment last week, has been placed on waivers by the Washington Nationals for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release. The veteran first baseman/outfielder was batting just .118 with no home runs and two RBI in 29 games (51 at-bats) this season. He missed more than six weeks earlier this year while recovering from surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus in his left knee.

7/22/2005

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

The San Francisco Giants activated Alfonzo from the disabled list Friday, presumably in time to be in the lineup later in the evening, when the Giants host the Florida Marlins at SBC Park. The Giants' third baseman had been sidelined since mid-June with a strained left quadriceps. He returns with a .306 average and 30 RBI in 58 games this season.

7/21/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

Although he recorded just one hit in four at-bats in Wednesday's win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Delgado belted a two-run home run, notching his second longball in as many days. With the homer, the Marlins' first baseman also extended his current hitting streak to eight games. Over that span, he is 11-for-31 (.355) with two doubles, a triple, three home runs and 10 RBI.

7/20/2005

Wil Cordero, nym

Cordero has been designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals, opening a spot on the roster for outfielder Kenny Kelly. The veteran first baseman, who missed more than six weeks earlier this season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus in his left knee, was batting just .118 with no home runs and two RBI in 29 games (51 at-bats).

7/18/2005

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

After sitting out a couple extra days to recover from a stiff neck, Alfonzo is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Fresno on Monday. The Giants' third baseman, who has been sidelined for more than a month with a strained left quadriceps muscle, should be activated from the 15-day disabled list later this week, barring any setbacks.

Orlando Hernandez, nym

The Chicago White Sox activated Hernandez from the disabled list early Monday, and the veteran righthander will take the mound against the Detroit Tigers on Monday night. Hernandez, who has been out for most of a month with a shoulder ailment, is 7-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 11 starts this season.

Oliver Perez, nym

If everything checks out on Monday, Perez is expected to be cleared to begin throwing later this week, as he works his way back from a broken left toe. The lefthander, who has been sidelined since kicking a laundry cart after leaving a start against the Cardinals on June 26, will need at least a couple more weeks before he can return to the Pirates' starting rotation.

Shingo Takatsu, nym

To make room for the return of injured starter Orlando Hernandez, the Chicago White Sox designated Takatsu for assignment on Monday. The 36-year-old righthander was a pleasant surprise as a rookie in 2004, but he has struggled in his second go-round in the majors this season. In 31 games, Takatsu was 1-2 with a 5.97 ERA and eight saves in nine chances.

7/17/2005

Steve Trachsel, nym

Trachsel reported no major problems after tossing about 40 pitches in a simulated game on Saturday. The Mets' veteran righthander, who has been sidelined since undergoing surgery in early March to repair a herniated disc in his back, should go on a minor league rehab assignment in the near future.

7/16/2005

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

Alfonzo is scheduled to begin a two-day rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Fresno on Saturday. Sidelined since mid-June with a strained left quadriceps, Alfonzo will likely DH during this rehab assignment.

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

Alfonzo had been scheduled to begin a two-day rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Fresno on Saturday. But the assignment was postponed after the Giants learned early in the day that the infielder had tweaked his neck. Alfonzo has been sidelined since mid-June with a strained left quadriceps and is expected to DH when he begins the rehab assignment.

7/15/2005

Orlando Hernandez, nym

After a four-inning rehab start last Sunday and a successful bullpen session on Thursday, Hernandez is in line to rejoin the White Sox' rotation Monday against Detroit. The righthander believes his shoulder troubles, which landed him on the disabled list on June 19, are behind him. He is 7-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 11 starts this season.

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran extended his hitting streak to six games, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a double and run scored in Thursday's win over the Atlanta Braves. Over that span, the Mets' outfielder is 11-for-26 (.423) with three doubles, one home run, and three RBI.

David Wright, nym

Wright belted a pair of solo home runs in Thursday's 6-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves, notching the second multihomer game of his major league career. The Mets' third baseman sent a Horacio Ramirez pitch over the center-field wall in the second inning before going deep to left-center in the fourth. He also walked and scored three times.

Steve Schmoll, nym

Schmoll tossed a perfect eighth inning in Thursday's loss to the San Francisco Giants after being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas earlier in the day. The righthander has made 17 relief appearances with the big league club this season, going 1-0 with a 4.67 ERA and one save.

7/13/2005

Chad Bradford, nym

Completing a trade that has been rumored for nearly a week, the Oakland Athletics dealt Bradford to the Boston Red Sox for Jay Payton and cash on Wednesday. The sidearming reliever has been on the disabled list all season following surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back on March 7. The 30-year-old righthander is expected to be activated from the disabled list Thursday after making nine rehab appearances with three minor league teams.

7/12/2005

Oliver Perez, nym

Perez was disciplined by the Pirates and fined an undisclosed amount for his June 26 outburst in the clubhouse that led to a broken left toe. The lefthanded hurler kicked a laundry cart after struggling in an outing against the Cardinals, breaking his toe in the process and landing himself on the 15-day disabled list. He is expected to miss at least six weeks, with a targeted return of early August.

7/11/2005

Bret Boone, nym

The Seattle Mariners have traded Boone to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for a player to be named later. The 36-year-old second baseman was struggling this season, batting .231 with seven home runs and 34 RBI in 74 games, prompting the Mariners to designate him for assignment.

7/9/2005

Chad Bradford, nym

Oakland officials declined comment Friday on a report in the Boston Globe that stated the A's will trade the reliever to the Red Sox in exchange for outfielder Jay Payton once Bradford comes off the disabled list.

7/7/2005

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez had decided to withdraw from next Tuesday's All-Star game, since he won't be available to pitch. The Mets' righthander is scheduled to take the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday and does not want to risk injury by throwing in the American League-National League matchup two days later. Phillies closer Billy Wagner will take Martinez' spot on the NL roster.

Carlos Delgado, nym

Making a pinch-hit appearance in the fifth inning of Thursday's victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, Delgado sent a Ricky Bottalico pitch over the right-center field wall to record the 10th grand slam of his major league career. The Marlins' slugger has been in a bit of a slump recently, notching just five hits in his previous 43 at-bats, dropping his season average from .320 to .291.

7/6/2005

Jose Valentin, nym

Sidelined since suffering tears in three different ligaments in his right knee in early May, Valentin has resumed taking grounders and moving laterally, and he's reported no major problems. If the Dodgers' infielder remains on schedule in his recovery, he hopes to be back in action by the end of the month.

Orlando Hernandez, nym

After throwing 30 fastballs and changeups in the bullpen on Monday, Hernandez will work another bullpen session Wednesday. If all goes well, the White Sox' righthander will make a minor league rehab start for Triple-A Charlotte on Sunday at Louisville. El Duque is tentatively scheduled to return to the White Sox on July 18 against Detroit.

Chris Woodward, nym

Woodward was back in the Mets' starting lineup on Tuesday despite having his knee drained after fouling a ball of his leg the previous night. However, the utilityman probably should have taken the evening off, as he went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts prior to being lifted in favor of Brian Daubach.

7/5/2005

Orlando Hernandez, nym

Hernandez threw 30 pitches in the bullpen Monday, and the White Sox' righthander reported that his right shoulder felt good after the workout. He threw only fastballs and changeups in his first session, and he'll have another bullpen session soon before going out on a minor league rehab assignment.

Chris Woodward, nym

Woodward had fluid drained from his left knee after fouling a ball off his leg in the seventh inning of Monday's game against the Washington Nationals. Precautionary X-rays were negative, and the Mets have listed the utilityman as day-to-day. Woodward was 0-for-3 with a strikeout prior to his departure, dropping his season batting average to .320 in 103 at-bats (40 games).

7/4/2005

Bret Boone, nym

In a surprising move, the Seattle Mariners designated Boone for assignment on Sunday. The Mariners are parting ways with their starting second baseman, who hit 127 homers in four-plus seasons with the club. The 36-year-old veteran was struggling this season, batting .231 with seven home runs and 34 RBI in 74 games.

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd is nursing a sore right hamstring, so the Mets decided to hold him out of the lineup for Sunday's matchup with the Florida Marlins. The veteran outfield did not seem overly concerned about the ailment, and said he plans to return to action on Monday. Chris Woodward handled the left-field duties for the Mets in Floyd's absence.

7/3/2005

Victor Diaz, nym

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk following the Mets' 7-6 victory over Florida Friday. The promising 23-year-old outfielder, who has picked up just three at-bats since June 21, was sent to Norfolk to make room for Miguel Cairo's return from the disabled list.

6/30/2005

Kazuhisa Ishii, nym

Ishii gave up just two hits, but due to control issues, he took the loss in Wednesday's meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets' lefthander walked four and gave up five runs before being pulled from the game with one out in the fourth inning. Ishii has dropped four of his last five starts, surrendering five earned runs in each loss.

6/29/2005

Carlos Beltran, nym

After having fluid drained from his ailing right quadriceps the previous day, Beltran said his leg was pain-free on Tuesday. The Mets' outfielder, who reportedly has been hampered by the injury for nearly six weeks, did not appear to be slowed in Tuesday's meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies, going 2-for-5 with a double, triple and RBI.

6/28/2005

Julio Franco, nym

Making a pinch-hit appearance in the eighth inning of Monday's win over the Florida Marlins, Franco connected for a grand slam -- the eighth of his major league career. The Braves' first baseman, who turns 47 in August, is batting .276 with six home runs, 20 RBI and four stolen bases in 49 games (116 at-bats) this season.

Oliver Perez, nym

Perez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Pittsburgh Pirates, due to a broken big toe on his left foot. Disgusted with his performance in Sunday's matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals, the lefthander kicked a laundry cart in the clubhouse after coming out of the game, suffering the injury. He will miss at least a few weeks. Filling the void on the roster will be outfielder Nate McLouth

6/27/2005

Bret Boone, nym

Since returning from his time off to work with Seattle hitting Don Baylor on his swing, Boone has gone 7-for-19 (.368) with a double, triple, homer and four RBI. He has scored five runs in five games since his time away.

Orlando Hernandez, nym

Hernandez threw on Sunday, for only the second time since he went on the disabled list for shoulder stiffness a week ago. The Chicago White Sox are going to proceed slowly with El Duque, and it's possible that he won't return before the All-Star break.

6/26/2005

Jose Offerman, nym

Offerman, who was released by Philadelphia in late May and signed a minor league deal with the Mets on June 8, was recalled over the weekend. He joins the Mets after first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz went on the disabled list with a hamstring injury.

Cliff Floyd, nym

Homering for a second night in a row on Saturday, Floyd delivered two longballs and four RBI in the New York Mets' 10-3 romp over the New York Yankees. With his pair of two-run homers, the Mets' left fielder has stroked five round-trippers in his last six contests. He also has a seven-game hitting streak in which he is batting .346 with eight runs scored and eight RBI.

Manny Aybar, nym

Over the weekend, Aybar cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to the New York Mets' Triple-A Norfolk affiliate. The 33-year-old righthander posted a .301 opponent batting average and 6.04 ERA in 22 relief appearances for the Mets this season.

6/24/2005

Paul Lo Duca, nym

After missing a couple of starts with a bruised right foot, Lo Duca returned to the Marlins' lineup for Thursday's matchup with the Atlanta Braves, going 2-for-3 with a walk. The catcher, who suffered the injury on Tuesday, should be fine going forward.

6/23/2005

Bret Boone, nym

Boone's pilgrimage to the batting cage with Seattle hitting coach Don Baylor ended Wednesday, as the second baseman returned to the Mariners' lineup after four days off to work with Baylor. Boone missed four games to work on mechanical issues, and he was 1-for-4 in his return Wednesday.

Jose Reyes, nym

Reyes fulfilled his expected duties as the Mets' leadoff hitter in Thursday's win over the Philadelphia Phillies, going 3-for-5 with three stolen bases and a run scored. The shortstop has notched three steals in a game twice already this season.

6/22/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

Going 1-for-4 in Tuesday's loss to the Atlanta Braves, Delgado now has hit safely in 17 of 18 games in June, including 15 straight. For the month, the Marlins' first baseman is batting .354 with four home runs and 15 RBI.

Paul Lo Duca, nym

Lo Duca was pulled from the Marlins' lineup in the fourth inning of Tuesday's meeting with the Atlanta Braves, due to a bruised right foot. Precautionary X-rays were negative, and the catcher has been listed as day-to-day. Matt Treanor handled the catching duties in Lo Duca's absence.

6/21/2005

Bret Boone, nym

When Seattle manager Mike Hargrove said Boone would not start the final six games of the Mariners' homestand, the plan wasn't to have the second baseman sitting around. He and hitting coach Don Baylor are spending time in batting cages, working through some mechanical issues that have kept Boone in an offensive rut. Boone is batting just .227 with five home runs and 29 RBI this season.

Gerald Williams, nym

Williams has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk by the New York Mets, replacing injured second baseman Kaz Matsui on the active roster. The outfielder appeared in 57 games with the Mets last season, batting .233 with four home runs, 11 RBI and two stolen bases.

Chad Bradford, nym

Bradford inches closer to a return following March surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. The Oakland reliever is throwing to hitters in Phoenix and could begin a minor league rehab assignment soon. The A's are looking for Bradford to return sometime soon after the All-Star break.

Dae-Sung Koo, nym

Koo has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the New York Mets. The 36-year-old lefthander missed nearly a month with soreness in his pitching shoulder after bruising his rotator cuff on a headfirst slide into home plate during a game against the Yankees on May 21. He takes the roster spot of struggling reliever Mike DeJean, who was released by the club.

6/20/2005

Orlando Hernandez, nym

The Chicago White Sox have placed Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list with stiffness in his throwing shoulder. A shoulder ailment sidelined the 35-year-old righthander for two weeks at the end of May, and his current stiffness will keep him out until the end of June. El Duque is 7-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 11 starts for the White Sox.

6/19/2005

Julio Franco, nym

Franco became the oldest player in major league history to steal a base when he swiped two on Friday against the Reds. On Saturday, Franco hit two home runs in a game for the first time since 1996. Franco hit a solo home run off Reds pitcher Eric Milton in the first inning, and then a two-run shot in the third, also off Milton.

Bret Boone, nym

Seattle manager Mike Hargrove said that Boone will not start the final six games of the team's homestand. Boone, who is only batting .227 this season, will take a back seat to Triple-A callup Jose Lopez. Lopez, who had been starting for the injured Adrian Beltre, will move to the starting second-base role now that Beltre is back in the Mariners' lineup.

6/18/2005

Bret Boone, nym

With the recall of Jose Lopez from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, Boone's days as the Mariners' starting second baseman could be numbered. Lopez will play third base until Adrian Beltre returns, but the big news was that once Beltre is healthy, Lopez would likely see the majority of his playing time at second, rather than at shortstop.

6/17/2005

Benito Santiago, nym

The Mets signed Santiago to a minor league contract on Friday. The 40-year-old catcher will work out at the Mets' training complex in Florida before reporting to Triple-A Norfolk. Santiago batted .261 (6-for-23) in six games for the Pirates this season before he was released on May 8.

Chris Woodward, nym

Woodward could be the Mets' starting second baseman on Friday night, when New York opens a weekend series with Seattle. The utilityman could get the call after Kaz Matsui injured his left knee on the final play of Thursday night's win over Oakland. The Mets already are without Miguel Cairo, who went on the disabled list with a strained hamstring on Tuesday.

Victor Diaz, nym

Diaz has been playing for injured right fielder Mike Cameron this week. The Mets' rookie's string of starts could end this weekend if Cameron is ready to return from a dislocated finger and a quadriceps injury. Cameron is no longer wearing the splint on his dislocated left ring finger, but his right leg remains stiff and swollen, the side effects of a healing quadriceps strain.

6/15/2005

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

Alfonzo's strained left quadriceps, which the Giants' third baseman injured in a game on Sunday, will keep him on the sidelines at least four weeks. That's the word from San Francisco trainer Stan Conte. The veteran infielder was hurt breaking out of the batter's box after putting the ball in play.

Victor Diaz, nym

Diaz picked up a start in right field on Tuesday, when Mike Cameron sat out with a dislocated finger and a quadriceps ailment. The Mets' rookie may get a few more starts this week, as Cameron may sit out until at least Friday. Diaz is batting .269 with five home runs and 17 RBI in 104 at-bats for the Mets.

6/14/2005

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

On Monday, two San Francisco regulars were placed on the 15-day disabled list: outfielder Marquis Grissom with a right hamstring strain and Alfonzo with a left quadriceps strain. Alfonzo was injured Sunday, breaking out of the batter's box in the eighth inning of San Francisco's loss to Cleveland.

6/13/2005

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

Breaking out of the batter's box in the eighth inning of San Francisco's loss to Cleveland Sunday, Alfonzo hurt his left quadriceps and may be headed to the disabled list. An MRI exam was performed on Alfonzo later Sunday, and the Giants fear a significant injury.

Todd Self, nym

The Houston Astros optioned Self to Triple-A Round Rock over the weekend. The 26-year-old first baseman spent a month in the big leagues after his first promotion, batting .200 (9-for-45) with two doubles, a homer and four RBI.

6/12/2005

Manny Aybar, nym

The Mets designated Aybar for assignment in order to make room on the roster for Danny Graves, who signed with New York on Saturday. Aybar has seen action in 22 games this season, logging 25.1 innings while posting a 6.04 ERA. The righthanded reliever, who did not play in the majors in 2004, has played for seven big league teams in his career.

6/10/2005

Ramon Castro, nym

With Mike Piazza out a few days with a swollen left wrist, Castro started behind the plate for the Mets on Thursday, and he'll probably be the starter on Friday night as well. Castro will be play, even though he injured his left middle finger sliding back into first base on a pickoff attempt after replacing Piazza in Wednesday's game. Castro had his middle and ring fingers taped together yesterday.

6/9/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

Delgado had a big night on Wednesday, recording all five RBI in Florida's 5-4 win over Seattle. The first baseman delivered a run-scoring double, a three-run homer and a bases-loaded walk that proved to be the difference in the game. The win made Dontrelle Willis the majors' first 10-game winner of 2005.

6/8/2005

Jose Offerman, nym

Offerman has signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. The veteran infielder began the 2005 campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies, but was released after declining a minor league assignment late last month. He is expected to report to the Mets' Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk.

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez baffled the Houston Astros in Tuesday's meeting, allowing just one run on two hits en route to a complete game victory. The veteran righthander had a no-hitter going until Chris Burke connected for the first home run of his major league career. In his last three starts -- all wins -- Martinez has allowed only two runs and fanned 31 batters in 25 innings.

Ricky Ledee, nym

An MRI on Ledee's ailing left hamstring has confirmed the original diagnosis of a strain. Not taking any chances, the Dodgers have placed the outfielder on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 5. Ledee was expected to see most of the time in right field during Milton Bradley's absence, but the club now will look to Jason Repko to fill the void.

Eli Marrero, nym

The Kansas City Royals have traded Marrero to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor league infielder Pete Maestrales. The utilityman, who was designated for assignment by the Royals last week, is expected to join the O's in time for Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. A corresponding move will be made at that time to create a spot on the 25-man roster.

6/7/2005

Ricky Ledee, nym

Ledee was expected to take over in the Dodgers' outfield for the injured Milton Bradley, but he has missed the team's last two games with a sore left hamstring. On Tuesday, the outfielder will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury. Jason Repko will remain in the starting lineup until Ledee is able to return.

Matt Perisho, nym

Despite a 2-0 record and 1.93 ERA in 24 relief appearances this season, Perisho has been designated for assignment by the Florida Marlins. The lefthander will be replaced in the bullpen by Valerio de los Santos, whose contract was purchased from Class-A Jupiter on Tuesday.

6/6/2005

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd notched the 11th multihomer game of his major league career, going 3-for-4 with two homers, four RBI, three runs scored and a walk in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants. The Mets' outfielder has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, going 12-for-36 (.333) with five doubles, two home runs, nine RBI and a stolen base over that span.

6/4/2005

Tom Glavine, nym

Glavine picked up career win No. 266 on Saturday, as the New York Mets defeated the San Francisco Giants, 5-1. Glavine ties Bob Feller and Eppa Rixley for 32nd place on the all-time career wins list.

6/2/2005

Mike DiFelice, nym

With Ramon Castro returning from a strained quadriceps muscle, the New York Mets have designated DiFelice for assignment to make room on the active roster. During his short stay with the Mets, DiFelice went hitless with two strikeouts in eight at-bats.

Orlando Hernandez, nym

Hernandez will be activated from the disabled list and start for the Chicago White Sox on Friday night against Cleveland. The veteran righthander has been sidelined since May 16 with a muscle ailment in the back of his pitching shoulder. He returns with a 5-1 mark and a 3.91 ERA in eight starts.

Paul Lo Duca, nym

After sitting out for a few days with a bruised left elbow, Lo Duca was back in the Marlins' lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Pirates, going 1-for-4. The veteran catcher had been hitless in his previous 22 at-bats going into the game.

Ramon Castro, nym

Castro is back on the New York Mets' active roster after spending a couple of weeks on the disabled list recovering from a strained right quadriceps muscle. The catcher will resume his duties as Mike Piazza's primary backup, replacing Mike DiFelice, who was designated for assignment on Thursday.

Victor Zambrano, nym

Zambrano, who was in danger of losing his spot in the Mets' starting rotation earlier this season, turned in his best peformance of the 2005 campaign in Wednesday's victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The righthander allowed just one run on five hits over eight innings of work, striking out five and walking three.

Bartolome Fortunato, nym

On Thursday, Fortunato will undergo surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. The righthander, who has been on the disabled list all season, is not expected to be available the rest of the campaign, according to Mets general manager Omar Minaya. He should be fully recovered by spring training next year.

Dae-Sung Koo, nym

Koo has been battling soreness in his pitching shoulder since bruising his rotator cuff on a headfirst slide into home plate during a game against the Yankees on May 21. As a result, the Mets have decided to place the struggling lefthander on the 15-day disabled list to allow him to rest and recover. Filling the spot in the bullpen and on the roster will be fellow southpaw Royce Ring.

Royce Ring, nym

Ring has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk by the New York Mets, filling the roster spot of fellow lefthander Dae-Sung Koo, who will miss at least a couple of weeks with a bruised rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder. Ring appeareed in three games with the Mets earlier this season, posting a 5.40 ERA in 3.1 innings.

6/1/2005

Eli Marrero, nym

The Kansas City Royals designated Marrero for assignment on Tuesday. The 31-year-old catcher/utilityman was hitting .159 with four homers and nine RBI in 32 games this season. He was 3-for-35 (.086) against righthanded pitching, and he wasn't much better against lefties (.208-4-7).

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran was back in the Mets' starting lineup for Tuesday's matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, going 0-for-4 with a strikeout. Other than one pinch-hit appearance, the outfielder had been sidelined the previous 10 days with a strained right quadriceps muscle. In 45 games this season, he is batting .293 with six home runs and 25 RBI, but has just one stolen base.

5/31/2005

Wil Cordero, nym

Cordero has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Washington Nationals after missing more than six weeks while recovering from surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus in his left knee. The veteran first baseman, who was hitless with two strikeouts in four at-bats prior to his injury, is expected to serve as a backup. Infielder Brendan Harris was optioned to the minors to open a spot on the roster for Cordero.

5/30/2005

Paul Lo Duca, nym

Lo Duca has been bothered by a bruised left elbow in recent days, and he sat out Florida's wins over New York and Pittsburgh on Sunday and Monday. The Marlins' catcher also was clipped by a bat on Saturday, so he's a bit banged up.

5/29/2005

Victor Diaz, nym

Diaz was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, replacing Eric Valent on the active roster. In an earlier stint with the Mets this season, Diaz acquitted himself well, hitting .292-4-15 in 89 at bats, with 19 walks, giving him a .422 OBP with .528 slugging.

Victor Diaz, nym

Diaz was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, replacing Eric Valent on the active roster. In an earlier stint with the Mets this season, Diaz acquitted himself well, hitting .292-4-15 in 89 at-bats, with 19 walks, giving him a .422 OBP with .528 slugging.

5/27/2005

Tom Glavine, nym

Glavine sprained the middle finger on his right hand while diving for a ball in Tuesday's loss to the Atlanta Braves and has been receiving treatment over the past couple of days. Since the injury is to his non-pitching hand, the Mets' hurler plans to be ready for his start against the Florida Marlins on Sunday.

Carlos Delgado, nym

Delgado belted his eighth home run of the season in Thursday's loss to the New York Mets, continuing his hot hitting in May. In 22 games this month, the Marlins' first baseman is batting .325 with nine doubles, six homers and 20 RBI.

Paul Lo Duca, nym

Lo Duca was slated to be behind the dish for Thursday's matchup with the New York Mets, but due to a bruised left elbow, he was a late scratch from the Marlins' lineup. The catcher, who was replaced by Matt Treanor, has been listed as day-to-day.

Oliver Perez, nym

Since returning from a two-week absence to rest a stiff pitching shoulder and work on his mechanics, Perez has looked like a different pitcher. He has won his last two starts, allowing four runs on just five hits in 10.1 innings of work, striking out 16 batters over that span. In his first seven starts of the 2005 campaign, the Pirates' lefthander went 1-4 and posted an 8.03 ERA.

5/26/2005

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran popped out to center as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves, his first action since aggravating his strained right quadriceps muscle in Saturday's meeting with the Yankees. The Mets' outfielder said the leg is healing, but he's still not running well enough to return to the starting lineup. There is a chance Beltran could sit out a few more contests, as he does not want to risk a more serious problem.

5/25/2005

Billy Wagner, nym

Wagner's recent struggles continued in Tuesday's loss to the Florida Marlins, as he surrendered a game-tying solo home run to second baseman Damion Easley in the bottom of the ninth inning, blowing his second save of the season. The Phillies' closer has allowed at least one run in each of his last four appearances (4.1 innings) despite notching a pair of saves and striking out six over that span.

Orlando Hernandez, nym

Hernandez, placed on the disabled list on Sunday for a sore muscle in his throwing shoulder, threw off flat ground from 60 feet for 10 minutes on Tuesday. Hernandez will throw from 90 feet Wednesday. He is eligible to come off the DL on June 1.

5/23/2005

Pedro Martinez, nym

Although he did not record a win, Martinez reported no major problems with his hip after Sunday's solid performance against the New York Yankees. The Mets' lefthander, who had his scheduled start pushed back a couple of days after receiving a cortisone shot in his hip early last week, allowed just one run on four hits in seven innings of work, striking out six and walking one.

Carlos Beltran, nym

To rest his strained right quadriceps, which he aggravated during Saturday's meeting with the Yankees, Beltran likely will miss the Mets' upcoming series with the Atlanta Braves. The outfielder, who has been battling the ailment for nearly two weeks, according to manager Willie Randolph, hopes to be back in action on Thursday in Florida. He will receive treatment and be evaluated on a daily basis.

5/22/2005

Carlos Beltran, nym

After leaving Saturday's game with a strained right quadriceps, Beltran was held out of the Mets' lineup for the Sunday finale between the Yankees and Mets. Mike Cameron is in center field in place of Beltran and Eric Valent gets the start in right.

5/21/2005

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez reported that his injured hip felt much better Friday after getting a cortisone shot earlier in the week. The pitcher threw on the side Friday and is hoping to start Sunday against the New York Yankees.

Orlando Hernandez, nym

The White Sox will place Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday. Hernandez has a sore muscle in the back of his pitching shoulder, and has been aggravated by the injury since his last outing where he only worked 2 2/3 innings. On the season Hernandez is 5-1 with a 3.91 ERA in eight games.

Orlando Hernandez, nym

The White Sox will place Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday. Hernandez has a sore muscle in the back of his pitching shoulder, which bothered him before his last outing, when he worked only 2.2 innings. On the season, Hernandez is 5-1 with a 3.91 ERA in eight games.

Carlos Beltran, nym

Beltran left Saturday's game between the Mets and Yankees in the fifth inning due to a strained right quadriceps. He was replaced in center field by Mike Cameron. The Mets have listed Beltran's status as day-to-day.

5/18/2005

Pedro Martinez, nym

To help ease the discomfort in the sore right hip that has bothered him for the past couple of weeks, Martinez received a cortisone shot on Tuesday. The Mets had planned to send the veteran righthander to the mound on Friday against the Yankees, but he will be pushed back to Sunday instead. Victor Zambrano will get the nod on Friday and Kris Benson will pitch on Saturday.

Martinez' hip ailment could be the primary cause for his struggles in his last two starts, where he's allowed 10 runs combined, including nine earned. For the season, he is 4-1 with a 3.38 ERA in eight outings, striking out 67 and walking just 11 in 56 innings of work.

Victor Zambrano, nym

After being bumped from his scheduled start on Tuesday to allow Kaz Ishii to take the mound, Zambrano now will start on Friday against the New York Yankees. The Mets' righthander gets the nod in place of veteran Pedro Martinez, who was pushed back to Sunday after receiving a cortisone injection in his ailing hip.

The Mets currently have six starters on the roster, so either Zambrano or Aaron Heilman eventually will move to the bullpen or be demoted to the minor leagues. Zambrano has struggled a bit in his seven starts this season, going 2-3 with a 5.45 ERA.

5/17/2005

Mike DiFelice, nym

The New York Mets have purchased DiFelice's contract from Triple-A Norfolk. The veteran catcher will take over as starter Mike Piazza's primary backup while Ramon Castro spends at least the next two weeks recovering from a strained right quadriceps muscle. With the minor league club, DiFelice was batting .276 with eight home runs and 25 RBI in 28 games (98 at-bats).

DiFelice was with the Florida Marlins in spring training, but asked for and was granted his release just prior to the start of the regular season. He then inked a minor league deal with the Mets. His playing time behind Piazza likely will be limited, but he should see at least one start per week.

Ramon Castro, nym

Castro has landed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps muscle. The Mets' reserve catcher will be replaced on the active roster by veteran Mike DiFelice, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Norfolk on Monday.

Castro has seen just 29 at-bats in 25 games this season, serving as Mike Piazza's primary backup behind the plate. He is hitting .241 with three RBI and one stolen base.

Victor Zambrano, nym

Zambrano was slated to take the mound against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, but Kaz Ishii, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list, will get the nod instead. Zambrano will be available for relief duty in Tuesday's contest, and the team plans to give him a start against the Yankees on Saturday or Sunday.

The Mets currently have six starters on the roster, so either Zambrano or Aaron Heilman eventually will move to the bullpen or be demoted to the minor leagues. Zambrano has struggled a bit in his seven starts this season, going 2-3 with a 5.45 ERA.

Kazuhisa Ishii, nym

As anticipated, Ishii has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the New York Mets, and he is scheduled to take the mound against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday. The lefthander, who has been sidelined for nearly a month with a strained lat muscle in his left side and back, reported being pain-free after throwing on the side on Sunday. Victor Zambrano was scheduled to pitch on Tuesday, but instead will shift to either Saturday or Sunday, according to the team.

In three starts with the Mets, Ishii is 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA and has 14 strikeouts and 13 walks in 18.2 innings of work. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the start of the 2005 campaign to replace the injured Steve Trachsel in the Mets' rotation. Outfielder Victor Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk to open a spot on the roster.

Victor Diaz, nym

Diaz has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk by the New York Mets. The rookie outfielder, who will be replaced on the roster by starting pitcher Kaz Ishii, has played in 28 games this season, batting .294 with four home runs, 15 RBI and two stolen bases. He saw the majority of his time in right field, filling in for the injured Mike Cameron.

With Cameron back in action after missing some time with a wrist injury, the Mets could afford to send Diaz to the minors and allow him to play on a daily basis. He's proven he can handle major league pitching, so expect him to be back in New York later this season. Eric Valent will serve as the Mets' primary backup in the outfield.

5/16/2005

Kazuhisa Ishii, nym

Barring any last-minute setbacks, Ishii will be activated from the 15-day disabled list this week. The Mets' lefthander, who has been sidelined for nearly a month with a strained lat muscle in his left side and back, reported being pain-free after throwing on the side on Sunday. Reportedly, Ishii could start on Tuesday and replace the struggling Victor Zambrano in the rotation.

Ishii was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers to fill in for the ailing Steve Trachsel. In three starts with the Mets, he is 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA and has 14 strikeouts and 13 walks in 18.2 innings of work.

Oliver Perez, nym

According to Pirates general manager David Littlefield, Perez will not require a stint on the 15-day disabled list. The lefthander, who has been battling shoulder stiffness the past couple of weeks, reported no problems after throwing in the bullpen over the weekend. As a result, he has been penciled in to start Saturday's matchup with the Colorado Rockies.

Perez has struggled this season, going 1-4 with an 8.03 ERA in seven starts. He has allowed 25 walks and 10 home runs in 37 innings, along with 29 strikeouts.

5/15/2005

Oliver Perez, nym

Perez threw a 30-pitch session on Saturday and reported no problems. The Pirates' management may put Perez on the shelf until next weekend, and even a disabled list stint may be on the horizon. If the team feels like Perez should pitch a few rehab starts, he'll likely be put on the DL while he throws in the minors.

No official decision has been made on Perez' playing status, however, keep a close eye on him for next week.

5/14/2005

Endy Chavez, nym

Chavez has been traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, in exchange for Marlon Byrd. After being the Expos' primary center fielder the last two seasons, Chavez lost the job in spring training and was optioned to the minors. Recalled on May 3, he hit just .222 in seven games before being sent back down to Triple-A New Orleans earlier this week.

5/12/2005

David Wright, nym

Wright's bruised left foot was feeling well enough for him to return to the Mets' lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Chicago Cubs. The third baseman, who fouled a ball off his foot during Monday's action, sat out on Tuesday as a precautionary measure. He should be fine going forward, especially with Thursday's offday available to rest.

Wright went 1-for-4 with a strikeout in Wednesday's game and now is batting .255 with six home runs and 17 RBI in 33 contests this season.

5/11/2005

Bret Boone, nym

With a two-run double in the eighth-inning of Seattle's loss to New York on Tuesday night, Boone surpassed the 1,000-RBI plateau for his career. That's a feat only 16 second baseman have achieved. The list includes the leader, Nap Lajoie (1,599), Rogers Hornsby (1,584), active players Jeff Kent (1,234) and Craig Biggio (1,009), who spent four seasons behind the plate, and 2005 Hall of Fame inductee Ryne Sandberg (1,061).

So far in 2005, Boone is batting .240 with three home runs and 17 RBI in 33 games.

Endy Chavez, nym

Chavez is on his way back to Triple-A New Orleans, opening a spot on the Nationals' roster for righthander Claudio Vargas, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday. The outfielder has appeared in just seven games with Washington this season, going 2-for-9 with a double, RBI and two runs scored.

Brad Wilkerson, Ryan Church and Jose Guillen will continue to serve as the Nationals' starters in the outfield, while veteran Jeffrey Hammonds will handle the primary backup duties.

Oliver Perez, nym

Perez has been battling some stiffness in his pitching shoulder since his start last Friday. As a precautionary measure, the Pittsburgh Pirates will skip his spot in the rotation this time around. The lefthander was scheduled to take the mound against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, but Josh Fogg will get the call instead. Perez will throw on the side over the weekend.

According to manager Lloyd McClendon, Perez should be ready to return to action either next Tuesday or Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs. He has struggled this season, going 1-4 with an 8.03 ERA in seven starts. He has allowed 25 walks and 10 home runs in 37 innings, along with 29 strikeouts.

David Wright, nym

Wright was sore and stiff after fouling a ball of his left foot on Monday, so the Mets decided to hold him out of Tuesday night's meeting with the Chicago Cubs. The third baseman was replaced in the lineup by Chris Woodward. Precautionary X-rays on the foot were negative, and Wright currently is listed as day-to-day.

With Thursday off, the team might choose to keep Wright out of action on Wednesday as well, in hopes of having him available for their weekend series with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 32 games this season, he is batting .255 with six home runs and 17 RBI.

5/10/2005

Todd Self, nym

With veteran Jeff Bagwell landing on the 15-day disabled list, Self has been recalled from Triple-A Round Rock by the Houston Astros to fill the void on the roster. The first baseman has appeared in 28 games with the minor league club this season, batting .391 with two home runs, 15 RBI and one stolen base. He will be making his major league debut.

Self is known more for his ability to get on base rather than his power at the plate. His career OBP in the minor leagues is better than .400. Although Mike Lamb should see most of the starts at first base in Bagwell's absence, Self, Lance Berkman and Jose Vizcaino all could see time there as well.

5/9/2005

Benito Santiago, nym

After failing to find another club interested in a trade, the Pittsburgh Pirates released Santiago on Sunday. Last week, the veteran catcher refused to go on a minor league rehab assignment, as he continued to recover from a viral infection. Humberto Cota and David Ross will continue to handle the duties behind the plate for the Pirates going forward.

The 40-year-old Santiago appeared in just six game prior to his stint on the disabled list, batting .261 with a double and triple. He becomes a free agent and can sign with any other team.

5/8/2005

Darren Oliver, nym

The Cubs signed Oliver to a minor league deal over the weekend, and the lefthander was expected to start for the club's Triple-A affiliate in Iowa on Sunday. Oliver left the Diamondbacks' Triple-A team in Tucson last Monday and hinted at the time that he might retire. He pitched for the Marlins and Astros last season, posting a 3-3 record and 5.94 ERA in 27 combined appearances.

With Kerry Wood injured and Ryan Dempster possibly moving into the closer's role, the Cubs are thin on starting pitching. Oliver won 13 games for the Rockies in 2003.

5/5/2005

Jose Valentin, nym

An MRI has revealed tears in three ligaments in Valentin's right knee, injuries suffered when he slid into catcher Brian Schneider on a play at the plate in Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals. Although no surgery is planned at this point, the veteran infielder will miss at least two months of action. The Dodgers have placed him on the 15-day disabled list and filled the void on the roster by recalling utilityman Mike Edwards from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Norihiro Nakamura, Olmedo Saenz and Edwards all could see time at third base in Valentin's absence. Antonio Perez -- close to coming off the DL -- also should figure into the mix. In 24 games this season, Valentin is batting .194 with two home runs, 12 RBI and two stolen bases.

Aaron Heilman, nym

With starter Kris Benson returning from a stint on the disabled list, Heilman will move to the bullpen for the time being. However, the move might be temporary, as the Mets chose to option Jae Seo to the minor leagues on Wednesday, leaving them with just four starters currently on the roster.

Expect Heilman to be available for long relief, but he should be back in the rotation as soon as the Mets need a fifth starter, which is as soon as early next week. In five starts this season, Heilman is 2-2 with a 4.65 ERA and one complete game.

Victor Diaz, nym

Going into Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Diaz was hitless in his previous 19 at-bats, including nine strikeouts. The Mets' outfielder got back on track in the 3-2 victory, going 2-for-2 with a solo home run and a walk. For the season, he is batting .284 with four home runs, 11 RBI and two stolen bases.

With Mike Cameron coming back from a wrist injury, Diaz will lose his job as an everyday player for the Mets. However, he will serve as the top backup in the outfield and be the team's primary option in pinch-hitting spots.

Royce Ring, nym

Opening a spot on the roster for outfielder Mike Cameron, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list, the New York Mets have optioned Ring to Triple-A Norfolk. The lefthander, who made his major league debut last week, posted a 5.40 ERA in three relief appearances during his short stint with the major league club.

5/4/2005

Tom Glavine, nym

After surrendering seven runs on 12 hits in his previous outing, Glavine's struggles continued in Tuesday's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, as he allowed eight runs -- seven earned -- on six hits and six walks in just 3.2 innings of work. The Mets' veteran lefthander dropped to 1-4 on the season and saw his ERA jump to 7.04.

The 39-year-old Glavine has battled control issues all season, allowing 39 hits and walking 22 batters in 30.2 innings. His best years appear to be behind him.

Jose Valentin, nym

Valentin has been diagnosed with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, an injury suffered when he slid into catcher Brian Schneider on a play at the plate in Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals. According to Dodgers manager Jim Tracy, the veteran infielder will undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the extent of the damage.

Valentin tried to stay in the game, but after playing defense for one more inning, he was removed because the knee became too sore. Norihiro Nakamura likely will see the majority of the time at third base if Valentin is sidelined. Prior to his departure, Valentin ended his hitting slump at 26 at-bats with an RBI single in the fourth inning.

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, extending his hitting streak to a career-high 19 games -- the longest streak in the major leagues this season. The Mets' outfielder has hit safely in all but one of his 22 contests this season.

For the year, Floyd is batting .386 with seven home runs, 23 RBI and three stolen bases. As long as he can stay healthy, the injury prone Floyd is a solid fantasy option.

5/3/2005

Jose Valentin, nym

Going 0-for-4 in Monday's loss to the Washington Nationals, Valentin extended his hitless streak to 26 at-bats. Over that span, the Dodgers' veteran infielder has seen his season batting average drop from .308 to its current .185. In 23 games this season, he has two home runs, 11 RBI and two stolen bases.

Valentin took a pitch off his wrist just more than a week ago, which could be a reason for his recent struggles at the plate. If Valentin can't get on track, the Dodgers might look to give Norihiro Nakamura more time at the hot corner.

Endy Chavez, nym

Chavez has been recalled from Triple-A New Orleans by the Washington Nationals, replacing fellow outfielder Terrmel Sledge, who is out with a strained right hamstring. In 21 games with the minor league club this season, Chavez was batting .269 with one home run, three RBI and five stolen bases.

Chavez originally was slated to begin the season as the Nationals' starting center fielder, but his lack of discipline at the plate resulted in him being demoted to the minors before Opening Day. He'll likely split time in center with Ryan Church during Sledge's absence.

5/2/2005

Chad Bradford, nym

Bradford, who is expected to be sidelined until at least June with a herniated disc in his back, has been moved from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Jermaine Clark on Oakland's 40-man roster.

Bradford underwent back surgery in early March, and he's still expected to miss close to half of the 2005 season. The procedural move has nothing to do with the success or failure of his rehab work.

Kazuhisa Ishii, nym

The strained muscle in Ishii's side and back continues to give him problems, and he likely won't return to the mound for the Mets any time soon, according to manager Willie Randolph. The lefthander, who has been sidelined for nearly two weeks, was scheduled to throw in the bullpen on Sunday, but the session was scratched.

The Mets would prefer for Ishii to make a start or two in the minor leagues before allowing him to rejoin their rotation. At this point, it appears Ishii is at least a couple weeks away from taking the mound for New York. He is 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA in three starts this season.

5/1/2005

Eli Marrero, nym

Marrero boosted his batting average from .163 to .208 by going 3-for-4 with two home runs, three RBI and three runs scored in Saturday's victory over the Cleveland Indians. The Royals' outfielder now has two multihomer games in his major league career.

Marrero is one of the Royals' top options off the bench, but because of his struggles at the plate, he hasn't seen much action this season. In 19 games, he is batting .208 with three home runs, six RBI and one stolen base.

4/30/2005

Benito Santiago, nym

Santiago refused a minor league rehabilitation assignment on Saturday. Instead, the veteran catcher will keep working out with the Pirates. Santiago was eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Saturday after being sidelined with a viral infection. Santiago lost about five pounds due to the illness, but has regained the weight.

Santiago's refusal to accept the rehab assignment could delay his return, as Lloyd McClendon disagrees with the catcher's assessment that he is in good enough shape to return to the active roster.

4/27/2005

Cliff Floyd, nym

Despite missing a week with a strained muscle in his side, Floyd has stayed consistent at the plate all season. The Mets' outfielder has hit safely in 15 of 16 games, including 13 straight. For the year, he is batting .355 with five home runs, 15 RBI and two stolen bases.

Floyd has battled various injuries throughout his career, but when healthy, he has proved that he can produce offensively. Keep him in your lineup.

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

After leaving in the eighth inning of the previous night's game because of tightness in his left hamstring, Alfonzo was held out of the Giants' lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the San Diego Padres as a precautionary measure. The veteran third baseman, who is off to a great start this season, plans to be back in action on Friday. The Giants are off on Thursday.

Pedro Feliz got the starting nod at the hot corner in Alfonzo's stead. In 20 games this season, Alfonzo is batting .375 with eight doubles, two home runs, 41 RBI and 14 runs scored.

4/26/2005

Billy Wagner, nym

Wagner allowed two hits over 1.1 innings, but did not give up a run closing out Monday's victory over the Washington Nationals to notch the 250th save of his major league career. In eight appearances this season, the Phillies' lefthander has pitched 8.1 scoreless innings, striking out eight, walking just one and recording four saves.

Last season, Wagner missed a month with a strained groin and sat out another six weeks with a strained left rotator cuff, but bounced back from both injuries and posted a 0.36 ERA in his last 24 appearances of the campaign.

Mike Matthews, nym

Matthews has been designated for assignment by the New York Mets after allowing three runs on four hits over two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. The veteran lefthander, who signed a minor league deal with the Mets after spending the 2004 campaign in Cincinnati, is 1-0 with a 10.80 ERA in six appearances on the season.

To fill the void in the bullpen, the Mets have recalled Royce Ring from Triple-A Norfolk.

Oliver Perez, nym

After going 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in his first four starts of the 2005 campaign, Perez finally found a groove in Monday's victory over the Houston Astros. The Pirates' lefthander scattered four hits over 7.2 shutout innings, striking out a season-high nine batters and walking just two.

Going into Monday's contest, Perez had been struggling with his control, walking 16 batters and allowing 25 hits in 19 innings. He is coming off a career year, when he posted a 12-10 record, 2.98 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, with 239 strikeouts in 196 innings of work.

Royce Ring, nym

Ring has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk by the New York Mets, filling the roster spot of the struggling Mike Matthews, who was designated for assignment on Monday. In six appearances with the minor league club this season, the lefthander allowed just one run on seven hits in nine innings of work. He struck out seven and walked three over that span.

Ring will pitch in middle relief for the Mets and doesn't have any fantasy value at this point.

4/24/2005

Jose Valentin, nym

Valentin was hit on the wrist by a Brian Fuentes pitch and left in the eighth inning of Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Subsequent X-rays proved negative, but the Dodgers' third baseman might miss a couple days as a precaution.

Consider Valentin's status day-to-day at this point.

Dave Williams, nym

With Jason Fogg temporarily shelved with an ear infection, Williams will be bumped up one day in the Pittsburgh rotation, and make the start on the mound today against the Chicago Cubs.

4/22/2005

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez tossed seven solid innings in Thursday's victory over the Florida Marlins, allowing one run on three hits with eight strikeouts and no walks. The Mets' righthander has given up three or fewer hits in each of his four starts this season, and for the year, he is 2-0 with a 2.17 ERA, including 38 strikeouts and just four walks in 29 innings of work.

Martinez actually should be 4-0, but closer Braden Looper has blown saves in two of his outings, leaving Pedro without a decision. It appears the back problems he had late in spring training are no longer an issue. Start him with confidence.

Kazuhisa Ishii, nym

While throwing on the side prior to Thursday's meeting with the Florida Marlins, Ishii reported soreness in his left side and was forced to cut his session short. The Mets' lefthander, who is 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA in three starts this season, will be re-evaluated on Friday to determine his status and availability.

Reportedly, the ailment is minor, and the Mets plan on having Ishii on the mound against the Washington Nationals, as scheduled. However, if the discomfort does not subside, he might be scratched as a precautionary measure.

Kazuhisa Ishii, nym

Tests have revealed that Ishii has a strained muscle in his left side, and the New York Mets have placed him on the 15-day disabled list as a result. The lefthander first reported discomfort during his start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, then had to cut a throwing session short prior to Thursday's game versus the Florida Marlins. He hopes to be back in action within 2-3 weeks.

Ishii was scheduled to take the mound against the Washington Nationals on Saturday, but the Mets have yet to name a starter for that game or fill the void on the roster. Ishii, who has been filling in for the injured Steve Trachsel, is 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA in three starts this season.

4/20/2005

Jose Reyes, nym

Reyes notched the first multi-homer game of his major league career, going deep twice in Tuesday's blowout victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets' infielder led off the game with a solo home run to left field before adding another solo shot -- this time to right -- in the fourth inning.

Reyes is not going to hit a lot of home runs, but he's off to a good start so far this season. In 14 games, he is batting .286 with three homers, six RBI and three stolen bases.

David Wright, nym

After seeing his batting average dip to .195, Wright got on track in Tuesday's victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, going 2-for-4 with a walk, three runs scored and the first grand slam of his major league career. For the season, Wright is batting .222 with three home runs and seven RBI in 13 games, but has struck out 12 times in 45 at-bats.

Despite his slow start, the sky is the limit for Wright. The 22-year-old made his debut last season and batted .293 with 14 home runs, 40 RBI and six stolen bases in 69 games. He should be at the hot corner for the Mets for many years to come.

Victor Diaz, nym

In Tuesday's victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, Diaz homered to center in the second inning and to left in the third -- with David Wright on base both times -- to record the first multi-homer game of his major league career. The Mets' outfielder, who also walked and scored three runs in the contest, is batting .343 with three home runs, six RBI and two stolen bases in 11 games this season.

Diaz definitely has some pop in his bat, as he hit .292 with 24 homers, 94 RBI and six steals in 141 games with Norfolk last year. He will continue to get the majority of the starts in right field until Mike Cameron is able to return to action.

4/19/2005

Benito Santiago, nym

Santiago has been battling a viral infection the past several days, and the Pittsburgh Pirates have decided to place him on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 15. The veteran catcher, who is 6-for-23 with a double and a triple in six games this season, will be replaced on the active roster by Humberto Cota.

David Ross, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been playing well with the Pirates and likely will see the majority of time behind the plate. Cota will handle the backup duties.

Cliff Floyd, nym

As he had hoped, Floyd was back in the New York Mets' lineup for Monday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran outfielder, who had been sidelined since straining a muscle in his left side while taking swings during batting practice prior to last Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros, went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer in his return.

Floyd has battled various injuries throughout his career, so it's no surprise that he's already missed some time this season. However, when healthy, he has proved that he can produce at the plate. Through eight games, Floyd is batting .313 with three home runs and nine RBI.

Heath Bell, nym

With lefthander Felix Heredia heading to the 15-day disabled list with a strained left thumb, the New York Mets have recalled Bell from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the void in the bullpen. The righthander made his major league debut with the Mets last season, going 0-2 with a 3.33 ERA in 17 relief appearances. He struck out 27 and walked just six in 24.1 innings, but five of the 22 hits he allowed were home runs.

Bell will pitch in middle relief for the Mets.

4/18/2005

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd, who has been absent from the New York Mets' lineup for the last week, said he hopes to return to the field for Monday's meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran outfielder has been sidelined since straining a muscle in his left side while taking swings during batting practice prior to last Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros.

Floyd continues to be listed as day-to-day. In seven games this season, he is batting .321 with two home runs and six RBI. If Floyd is unable to go, Eric Valent and Victor Diaz will continue to man the two corner-outfield spots for the Mets.

Michael Tucker, nym

Tucker notched an RBI double and his second grand slam of the 2005 campaign in Sunday's victory over the Colorado Rockies. Over the last three games, the Giants' outfielder is 5-for-11 with two home runs, eight RBI and four runs scored. His other grand slam also came against Colorado on April 9.

As long as Barry Bonds and Moises Alou are sidelined, Tucker should be in the Giants' lineup on a daily basis. Going into the weekend series at Colorado, he was batting just .167 through seven contests.

Edgardo Alfonzo, nym

Alfonso's 3-for-4 effort in Sunday's victory over the Colorado Rockies was his fourth game with three hits or more, which is tops in the major leagues this season. Through 11 contests, the Giants' third baseman is batting .488 with two home runs, five doubles, nine RBI and 13 runs scored. He's also walked seven times and struck out just once.

With Barry Bonds and Moises Alou sidelined, the Giants can't be more pleased with Alfonso's offensive production so far this season. Historically, April hasn't been one of the better months in Alfonso's career, so with the solid start, he could be in for a big year.

4/16/2005

Tike Redman, nym

Redman is upset with his playing time so far this season. He has started in just five of Pittsburgh's first 10 games. Redman is batting just .200 and has already committed two errors in center field.

4/14/2005

Cliff Floyd, nym

Floyd strained a muscle in his left side while taking swings during batting practice prior to Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros. The injury is considered minor, but primarily due to the cold conditions in New York, the outfielder was held out of the lineup as a precautionary measure. In his absence, Eric Valent got the start in left field, while Victor Diaz handled the right-field duties. Floyd will be re-evaluated on Thursday to determine his availability.

Floyd said he hopes to be back in action Thursday night, so for now, consider him as day-to-day. In seven games this season, he is batting .321 with two home runs and six RBI.

Kazuhisa Ishii, nym

Ishii nearly matched Houston starter Roger Clemens pitch-for-pitch in Wednesday's game against the Astros, but as was the case with the future Hall of Famer, he did not figure into the decision. Ishii tossed seven solid shutout innings, giving up just two hits. He struck out five and walked three before departing.

With Steve Trachsel sidelined indefinitely with a back problem, Ishii has a firm hold on a spot in the Mets' rotation. In 88 career major league starts, he has posted a 4.27 ERA, but has nearly as many walks (312) as strikeouts (394) in 486.2 innings.

4/12/2005

Wil Cordero, nym

Originally expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a torn medial meniscus in his left knee, Cordero likely will be sidelined just 3-4 weeks after undergoing successful surgery on Monday, according to the Washington Nationals. The veteran first baseman/outfielder missed the majority of the 2004 campaign after undergoing surgery on his right knee.

Nick Johnson will see the majority of the starts at first base in Cordero's absence. Prior to suffering the injury last Thursday, Cordero was hitless in his first four at-bats of the season, including two strikeouts.

4/11/2005

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez led the Mets to their first win of the 2005 campaign, pitching a gem in Sunday's victory over the Atlanta Braves. The veteran righthander notched the 43rd complete game of his major league career, allowing one run on just two hits. He struck out nine and walked one.

Martinez was in line for the win on Opening Day before closer Braden Looper blew the save. In two starts, he is 1-0 with a 2.40 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 15 innings.

4/10/2005

Jose Lima, nym

Lima was rocked for the second straight outing Saturday against the Angels. The Kansas City righthander lasted just 3.2 innings and gave up eight hits and seven runs, though only three of those runs were earned. This after Lima lasted just three inning in the Royals' Opening Day loss to Detroit. Opponents are hitting .412 off Lima through those first two games.

4/9/2005

Wil Cordero, nym

Cordero has a torn medial meniscus in his left knee and will undergo surgery that is expected to keep him out for six to eight weeks. This is the second time in two years that he has had a tear in this area of his knee. The outfielder was injured during Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

4/8/2005

Jose Valentin, nym

Valentin tied a career high by drawing four walks in Thursday's victory over the San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers' veteran infielder notched a stolen base, two RBI and scored a run despite failing to post an offical at-bat.

Through three games with his new club, Valentin is 3-for-7 with a triple, home run and six RBI. However, he already has three errors. In 125 contests with the Chicago White Sox last season, Valentin batted just .216 and had 85 errors, but he belted a career-high 30 home runs and finished with 70 RBI and eight stolen bases.

4/7/2005

Wil Cordero, nym

Cordero was forced to leave Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies after hurting his left knee. The Nationals' first baseman/outfielder, who will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the extent of the injury, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. To fill the roster spot, the Nationals will recall veteran Carlos Baerga.

Nick Johnson will see the majority of the starts at first base in Cordero's absence. Cordero missed the majority of the 2004 campaign after undergoing surgery on his right knee.

Shingo Takatsu, nym

Takatsu was unable to notch his second consecutive save, as he was lit up in the ninth inning of Thursday's disappointing loss to the Cleveland Indians. The righthander allowed the Tribe to tie the game, giving up three runs on four hits, including home runs by Casey Blake, Coco Crisp and Ronnie Belliard -- all solo shots.

Takatsu handled the closer duties over the last couple months of the 2004 campaign and is expected to fill the same role this season. In 59 games last year -- his first major league season -- he went 6-4 with a 2.31 ERA and 19 saves in 59 relief appearances.

4/6/2005

Carlos Delgado, nym

Delgado, making his regular season debut in a Marlins uniform, won the favor of the Florida crowd in Tuesday's season-opening win over the Atlanta Braves. The 32-year-old first baseman finished the game 4-for-5 with a double and three RBI.

After spending the last 12 seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, Delgado inked a four-year, $52 million contract with the Marlins during the offseason. He missed a little bit of time with injuries last year, but finished the 2004 campaign batting .269 with 32 home runs and 99 RBI in 128 games.

4/5/2005

Victor Diaz, nym

Diaz has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk by the New York Mets, filling the roster spot of starting pitcher Kris Benson, who will be sidelined until at least late April with a strained pectoral muscle. The 23-year-old prospect appeared in 20 exhibition games with the Mets this spring, batting .273 with two home runs, 11 RBI and three stolen bases.

Diaz was drafted as an infielder, but struggled defensively and eventually was moved to the outfield. He will serve as a backup with New York. In 141 games with Norfolk last year, Diaz batted .292 with 24 homers, 94 RBI and six steals.

4/4/2005

Pedro Martinez, nym

Martinez shook off the minor back problems that sidelined him for a short period last week, making his regular-season debut with the New York Mets in Monday's opener against the Cincinnati Reds. The veteran righthander allowed three runs on three hits over six innings and struck out 12. Martinez was in line to notch the victory before closer Braden Looper blew the save in the ninth.

Martinez joins Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens as the only players in major league history to record 100 or more double-digit strikeout games. In 33 starts with the Boston Red Sox last season, he was 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA and one complete game, striking out 227 batters and walking 61 in 217 innings of work.