Here is the Mets’ batting order for tonight’s game:
Jose Reyes, SS
Daniel Murphy, LF
David Wright, 3B
Carlos Delgado, 1B
Carlos Beltran, CF
Ryan Church, RF
Argenis Reyes, 2B
Brian Schneider, C
Johan Santana, P
Nationals
Anderson Hernandez, 2B
Cristian Guzman, SS
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
Lastings Milledge, CF
Elijah Dukes, RF
Aaron Boone, 1B
Willie Harris, LF
Wil Nieves, C
Tim Redding, P
John Maine made 10 throws on flat ground from about 45-50 feet and then the Mets encouraged him to get up on the mound for the first time since going on the DL Aug. 24 and test that right shoulder. He threw 10 pitches, not fully airing it out, and felt a knot in the shoulder. But he was encouraged that there was no pain and feels that it will loosen up with more throwing. Jerry Manuel wants to see him on the mound a couple more times before deciding if it’s worth the risk to bring him back. Maine thinks he can get back to pitch out of the pen in a week, near the end of the final homestand.
Ryan Church was talking before the game that he feel like he’sl going through a second spring training after missing so much time with post-concussion syndrome. He hasn’t been the same hitter since he got back.
Manuel said Aaron Heilman would probably be on the playoff roster if he had to pick one today. Can hear Mets fans moaning about that way all the way here in D.C., but Manuel said they’re going to need him to get important outs. Manuel did indicate that he thinks Heilman has naturally lost some confidence due to his struggles.
It sounded like Manuel wouldn’t hesitate to use Bobby Parnell in relief again after seeing the bullpen’s work last night.
Obviously Manuel was joking last night about having Johan Santana throw 170 pitches tonight, but it will be interesting to see how much he tries to get out of him if the game is close. Manuel joked again before the game that he should have said 175.