Mike Stanton 32 and Jay Bell 44 have returned from their respective DL assignments, relegating replacements Pat Strange 38 and Marco Scutaro 26 to Norfolk.
Clark, Mr. Met Settle Differences
Tony Clark appeared in Thursday’s doubleheader wearing No. 52, changing from 00, explaining the former belonged to mascot Mr. Met. “A lot of kids have expressed their opinion that there’s only one double-zero in their heart,” Clark said. That may be true today but a uniform number is a recent development for the largeheaded one, who represented for years without one. Clark in the meantime just keeps on making history: He was the first Met player to wear 00 and now, the first to wear 52.
Jeremy Griffiths also made his major league debut Thursday, wearing the dreaded No. 46.
More Injury Shenanigans
Two more Met vets hit the trainer’s room this weekend: Mike Stanton 32 and Pedro Astacio 34. Stanton was disabled Saturday and was replaced by lefty starter Mike Bacsik 33. That move made more sense when the Mets revealed Sunday that Astacio will hit the DL. In his place, they’ve recalled Jeremy Griffiths, who will be making his first big-league appearance and is listed as wearing No. 65 (but would appear in 46).
Injury Update duJour
The Mets finally got around to disable-listing gimpy outfielder Timo Perez 6 and re-calling grumpy infielder Rey Sanchez 10. Meantime, David Cone 16 has re-joined the team, taking the place of lefty reliever Jaime Cerda 43, who was returned to Norfolk for the second time this year.
Welcome Back, Burnitz
The Mets arrived in Atlanta today with a healthy Jeromy Burnitz 20 in tow — and centerfield. ‘Nitz missed more than four weeks with a broken hand. To make room, the Mets sent Jeff Duncan 61 back to the minors. Meantime, Jay Bell 44 joined the wounded list and lefty reliever Pedro Feliciano 55 was recalled.
Mets Get High
With Jason Middlebrook 27 again returned to Norfolk, the Mets prior to today’s game called up AA outfielder Jeff Duncan — and issued him the lofty No. 61! Should Duncan see action he will be the first Met to wear that number ever. (Pending confirmation of one report showing Mario Ramirez wore it 1980 and Jesse Orosco in 1979).
Disaster
Mike Piazza has a new position — reclined. He was carried off the field along with what little remained of realistic hopes for a good summer last night in San Francisco, leaving the Mets with little recourse but to re-call Jason Phillips 23 for a fourth time this year, and crossing their fingers. This isn’t good. Another, albeit less important, starting player went on the disabled list two days before when Rey Sanchez 10 was disabled and Marco Scutaro 26 called up for the first time this year.
Strange Up, Phillips Down, Strickland hurt, Cerda back
The Mets on Saturday began packing for their upcoming visit to Denver by calling up pitcher Pat Strange 38 and demoting yo-yo/catcher Jason Phillips 23. Strange was up briefly this season but did not play. Here’s his chance. On Sunday, the Mets put reliever Scott Strickland on the disabled list with a groin thingy, and recalled AAA reliever Jaime Cerda 43.
No Mo Mo
His knee destroyed under the weight of his wallet, Mo Vaughn 42 went onto the disabled list Sunday. To take his place the Mets again called up Jason Phillips 23.
Ouch
The Mets ended a dreadful April with a roster move: The role of late-inning beatdown victim goes to Jason Middlebrook 27 rather than Jaime Cerda 43.