Mets Notes: Putz Closing, Cora In, Tatis 2B?

Today before the game, Jerry Manuel said that Frankie Rodriguez would get the day off after a tough workload in last nights game.

J.J. Putz will be called on to close the game if necessary. I’m thinking that Putz will pick up about 10 saves this season.

Luis Castillo is sitting this one out, and Alex Cora makes his first start of the season at second base.

Jerry Manuel is open to trying Fernando Tatis at second base this season. 

“We’re always thinking about trying to keep guys that are swinging the bat well on the field as much as possible without hurting the defense,” he said. “He’s one of those guys that is solid enough that if once that bat gets in the lineup, and gets hot, it carries your team. And you can defend the last nine or six outs.”

The Mets announced that Billy Wagner will be evaluated in Port St. Lucie on Monday. Wagner is expected to continue his rehab, with the possibility of throwing off a mound. While there is no timetable for his return, Wagner should be back at some point after the All-Star break.

The Mets will soon have to decide on who to cut, trade or demote, to make room for Livan Hernandez soon. Odds are that it might be Marlon Anderson.