In a move practically shouting "see you next spring!" the Mets today disabled John Maine for the second time in a month. The club was noncommital as to who would be taking Maine's starts from here on out but stands to reason the list of candidates would include Brandon Knight, who made a spot start in late July on the way to the Olympics; Brian Stokes, now working in the Mets' bullpen; or Jon Niese, the lefty prodigy whose high regard by the Met brass could be the thing that prevents his activation at this time.

Should it wind up being Knight -- who's probably due for a September recall anyhow -- he'll have to find a new number: He wore 28 then, which since has gone to Dan Murphy. May we suggest 22?

Thanks to MBTN reader Ron, who in the comments section a few posts back reports:

I contacted the Mets and Juan Lopez is now wearing # 62.

Lopez is the bullpen batting practice (thanks, commenter) pitcher whose 56 was usurped by Luis Ayala but is still listed that as such on the Mets roster.

Congrats to Mike Pelfrey on another solid game. Beat it, David Newhan. And welcome back to reluctant returnee Luis Castillo, who for now takes Maine's roster slot.