Shortstop Jose Reyes will miss his second consecutive game due to a right calf injury. Reyes did say that it was feeling better than yesterday so the condition is improving.

Carlos Delgado will also miss another game with his hip injury, and questions still swirl about regarding his status for the rest of the season.

I am somewhat concerned that the bench will be short again tonight, but that never became an issue last night.

However the Mets are facing Tim Lincecum tonight and the added versatility would have been nice.

In an odd move, outfielder Jeremy Reed will get the start at first base and bat seventh tonight. Dan Murphy took fielding practice at first base again today, but it’s Reed who draws the assignment.

Here is the Mets lineup for tonight’s game:

1. Alex Cora, SS
2. Luis Castillo, 2B
3. Carlos Beltran, cf
4. Gary Sheffield, LF
5. David Wright, 3B
6. Ryan Church, RF
7. Omir Santos, C
8. Jeremy Reed, 1B
9. Livan Hernandez, SP

Livan Hernandez has pitched solid for the Mets lately. He has allowed just six earned runs in his past three starts covering 17 2/3 innings.