Jose Reyes’ fast start is a memory, but hitting coach Rick Down thinks the shortstop is showing signs of slowly getting it back.
After going hitless Opening Day, Reyes hit in eight straight games and on April 14 his average was .326 with a .341 on-base. His average was .232 entering tonight’s game and Reyes singled in his first at-bat.
“I have to get back to where I was,’’ said Reyes. “I’m not as comfortable as before.’’
Down said the problem is mechanical, that Reyes was dropping his hands, which lengthened his swing. Because his swing is slower, he’s starting to press and jump at pitches.
Regrets …
Manager Willie Randolph expressed sarcastic regret when asked again about his decision to intentionally walk Barry Bonds in the first inning Monday to pitch to Moises Alou, who hit a three-run homer.
“In hindsight I wish I hadn’t,’’ Randolph said. “I wouldn’t have if I had known (Alou) was going to have a good night.’’
Around the Horn …
David Wright is playing with soreness his groin from when he tweaked a muscle trying to avoid being hit by a pitch over the weekend at San Diego. “You’re going to play with little bruises and soreness,’’ said Randolph. … First-round pick, pitcher Mike Pelfrey, was promoted to Class AA Binghamton and will start Saturday against Erie. … Carlos Delgado has eight homers this month, one shy of Dave Kingman’s club record set in 1976.
