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Tag: Billy Wagner
Mets Wagner To Pitch Simulated Game Today
Image by Getty Images via Daylife
Closer Billy Wagner is scheduled to pitch a simulated game in Pittsburgh today. The plan is to activate Wagner from the disabled list on Monday when he becomes eligible.
Wagner pitched an inning on Thursday night in Bingamton and decided not to pitch another rehab game in Brooklyn today. He’ll be throwing to hitters in front of pitching coach Dan Warthen. If all goes well look for him to be available to pitch Monday in the final game of the series against the Pirates.
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>Tatis 2HR Leads Mets Over Padres 6-5
Mike Pelfrey did a nice job going 6.2 innings and giving up only two solo homers. And Fernando Tatis had a monster night with two home runs and 4 RBI’s which prompted a curtain call from the fans.
But the Mets struggled without Billy Wagner in the ninth. Aaron Heilman gave up a hit, a walk, then a three run homer to bring the Pads within one run of tying the game. He was bailed out by Scott Schoenweiss but the ninth inning is going to be very tenuous for the next two weeks until Wagner gets back.
Mets Roster Moves-Billy Wagner To DL; Lugo Called Up
The Mets put closer Billy Wagner on the 15-day disabled list today after having X-rays and an MRI on his left forearm. It was diagnosed as a strain and requires rest.
Jerry Manuel told reporters that he’ll got with a closer by committee approach and give the struggling Aaron Heilman first crack at the job because he can get righties and lefties out.
Ruddy Lugo was called up to replace Wagner on the roster. He’s been starting games at Triple-A New Orleans. Lugo, the younger brother of Julio Lugo, will be the long man in the bullpen.
Billy Wagner Scheduled For MRI This Morning
Keep an eye on the Mets news today for the results of Billy Wagner’s MRI that’s scheduled for this morning on his sore left forearm. His post game comments from Houston sounded like a guy that was headed to the disabled list.
The Mets will dodge a major bullet if Wagner is able to stay on the active roster. He just had another MRI two weeks ago when his shoulder was sore.
Stay tuned…
Time To Second Guess Mets Trade Deadline Inactivity?
The Mets had a rough road trip and the two main weaknesses of the team were exposed, the corner outfielders and the bullpen. The two positional weaknesses should be looked at independently.
Sure, the losses of Moises Alou and Angel Pagan for the season and Ryan Church for an unknown period of time have hurt the team. There’s no denying that. Church is being evaluated by doctors in New York this week and may begin rehab games within the next week. The Mets have to count on him coming back in their plan for the rest of the season.
When Church gets back they can mix and match in left field between Fernando Tatis, Nick Evans, and Daniel Murphy. If things don’t work out as planned they may be apt to give Fernando Martinez a shot at the job too.
The bullpen is another story. Although Billy Wagner has gone through bad patches, the Mets are married to him as their closer. As long as he’s healthy he’ll be closing games. Duaner Sanchez and Aaron Heilman haven’t been living up to expectations though. I really think Heilman could use a change of scenery. He’d be great waiver deadline trade bait during August. Sanchez may need some time on the disabled list to refresh his arm. He won’t be successful throwing a fastball in the mid-80’s as he has been over the last week and a half.
The Mets may need to explore a trade for a relief pitcher like Brian Fuentes if the Rockies fall out of contention this month. Heilman for Fuentes would be a fair deal for both teams in my mind. The Mets may need to throw in another mid level prospect but not any of their top prospects. If Eddie Kunz looks good over the next couple of weeks it may not even come to that.
I’m not ready to hit the panic button because of this bad road trip. And I’m not second guessing the Mets lack of activity at the trade deadline. But if they don’t take five out of seven games on this home stand against San Diego, Florida, and Pittsburgh then I will think there’s a problem with this team… again.
Mets Maine To DL and Wagner To NY For MRI
The Mets announced before the game today in Houston that John Maine will be placed on the 15-day disabled list because of the mild rotator cuff injury he sustained in Florida on Monday. His DL was backdated so he’s eligible to come off and pitch against Washington a week from Wednesday.
Billy Wagner is on his way back to New York after feeling stiffness in his left forearm. He’ll have an MRI which is his second in two weeks.
Eddie Kunz will take John Maine’s roster spot after being called up from Double-A Binghamton.
The Mets Report 