Daily Archives: August 2, 2009
Nelson Figueroa has been promoted from Triple-A Buffalo to start for the Mets Monday.
Pat Misch has been designated for assignment.
Figueroa had been 7–1 with a 1.51 ERA in his last 10 starts for Triple-A Buffalo.
Misch allowed three runs in 13 games while pitching for the Mets.
Tagged Nelson Figueroa |
The Mets (50-54) lost the D-Backs (46-59) by the score of 5 to 2 in Citi Field this afternoon.
For a full recap and boxscore, click here.
The Least You Should Know:
- The D-Backs picked up two key doubles against Mike Pelfrey in the fourth and fifth innings, to jump out to an early lead they’d never relinquish.
- The Mets only two runs came on a home run from Jeff Francoeur, followed by an RBI double in the same inning from Alex Cora, but they mustered very little the rest of the way.
- The Mets had just three extra base hits.
Misc., Etc., and Other Observations:
- Garland looked outstanding today. I suspect he will be a Waiver Wire Candidate in August. The Mets made a ton of awkward, oops-type of contact today, while he pitched all around the zone. The Mets always seem to have trouble against these type of low-in-the-zone, sinker-ball type pitchers.
- Meanwhile, Pelfrey had his fastball cooking early in the game, and had a lot of movement against left-handed hitters, but he struggled with his command. His secondary stuff looked good, but and though he kept the Mets in the game, it wasn’t enough.
- In the fifth, the Mets had a rally going, Francoeur hit a home run, Cora had an RBI double – with one out, Jerry Manuel pinch hit Gary Sheffield in place of Pelfrey. He hit a rocket, but for a line out, followed by a pop out from Angel Pagan. It felt like all the air was let out the balloon, basically. The Mets never really mounted much of an attack after that.
- It will be difficult to leap-frog seven teams while losing two of three to the D-Backs. Thankfully, game four is tomorrow night.
The Mets (50-54) conclude their four-game series with the D-Backs (46-59) tomorrow night in Citi Field.
Prior to today’s game, J.J. Putz tossed roughly 25 pitches as he continues to work back from elbow surgery.
He will next throw on Wednesday.
Putz later told reporters he hopes to be back in roughly three weeks.
…it’s going to be quite interesting to see Francisco Rodriguez, putz and Billy Wagner, all in the same bullpen… hopefully, the Mets will have jumped over .500 by then, to make it matter…
Jerry Manuel said Putz looked ‘good, free and easy,’ while throwing some split-finger fastballs.
“I was encouraged,” Manuel said.
The Mets (50-53) continue their series against the D-Backs (45-59) today at 1:10 pm with Mike Pelfrey facing Jon Garland.
Angel Pagan will hit leadoff today, followed in order by Luis Castillo, David Wright, Daniel Murphy at first base, Jeff Francoeur in right, Cory Sullivan in left field, Alex Cora at shortstop and Brian Schneider behind the plate.
Gary Sheffield was activated from the 15–day disabled list before the game, while Robinson Cancel was designated for assignment.
Pelfrey is 4-2 with a 3.90 ERA in 11 starts in Citi Field this season.
Garland has a 3.22 ERA in his last seven starts on the road, but is 0-5.
The team announced Gary Sheffield will be activated from the 
disabled list prior to today’s game, while Robinson Cancel will designated for assignment.
Additionally, Nelson Figueroa will be promoted to start Monday against the D-Backs, since Tim Redding pitched in relief on Saturday.
Figueroa is 7–1 with a 1.51 ERA in his last 10 starts for Triple-A Buffalo.
…the question is, who will be removed from the roster to make room for figgy… i’m think Pat Misch, who has not pitched since July 19, despite having allowed just three runs in 13 innings pitched…
Tagged Nelson Figueroa |In his most recent Sunday Q&A for 
the New York Post, Steve Serby talks with Mets OF Jeff Francoeur.
To watch a portion of the interview, use the video player in the sidebar of MetsBlog.com.
Among other things; Francoeur answers questions about being booed by his hometown fans in Atlanta; walking in the rain; bonding with Daniel Murphy; three dinner guests; golfing; playing football; favorite restaurant in New York City; and, getting advice on hitting from Gary Sheffield, of which he says:
“Sheffield talked to me about really throwing that top hand on it and letting it go. And it’s helped the number of balls I’ve hit to the outfield. Last three home runs I’ve hit, he’s the first one there giving me a hug when I come in… He’s been nothing but awesome.”
Francoeur is batting .286 with five extra base hits and .303 OBP in 18 games since joining the Mets.
However, he has just two hits in his last 15 at bats.
For more on Francoeur, check out Matt Gagne’s report in the Daily News.
