The Daily News reports that Nelson Figueroa has decided to re-sign with the organization after testing free agency by refusing a minor-league assignment earlier in the week. Apparently, sometimes the best opportunity is where they know and like you, even if he was abruptly designated for assignment to make room for a second lefty reliever, Casey Fossum, after Figueroa allowed three runs in six innings against the Brewers on Sunday.

I know that Figueroa is nothing more than a spot starter and back of the bullpen guy, but he’s helped us a few times in a pinch, and I kind of like having him around.

General manager Omar Minaya shot down reports that he is planning a major shakeup of the rotation and coaching staff in the wake of the Mets’ 7-9 start. “I think it’s too early to panic,” Minaya said before last night’s 4-3 win over the Nationals snapped the Mets’ four-game skid. “As far as to start thinking about changes already, I think you have to let guys perform.”

GM’s are supposed to say things like that even if it’s far from the truth. Last year, Omar Minaya supported Willie Randolph all the way up to the moment he fired him. That’s just the way it goes. Let’s just say it’s June 1st and the Mets find themselves at or below .500, you can certainly bet some heads are going to roll.

Mike Pelfrey, was made aware of manager Jerry Manuel’s comments that all members of the Mets’ starting rotation besides Johan Santana are in jeopardy of losing their spots unless they improve immediately. “It might have an effect on somebody. That person might be me, it might be somebody else. I read his comments. Somebody brought it up to me, but he’s right,” said Pelfrey, who has an 8.10 ERA in two starts. “It’s a business. Besides Johan, I don’t think you can come up with any other starter and say, ‘Hey, you’re pitching great.’

I don’t even want to think about the repercussions of four bad pitching performances in the next four days. I’m just keeping my fingers crossed and hope that these guys find a way to elevate their performance and start to meet or exceed expectations. Maybe Jerry’s stern warning will resonate and have a positive and lasting effect on these guys.

Tim Redding, who signed a $2.25 million deal as a free agent before experiencing rotator-cuff problems in spring training, is slated to throw up to four innings today in an extended spring-training game and could be ready after one additional start at Triple-A Buffalo.

Redding’s become the forgotten man and it looks like he’s close to being activated. I think it’s safe to say that Bobby Parnell is safe. Somebody will have to go, heck your guess is as good as mine.