Mike Pelfrey appears increasingly likely to miss his start Sunday against the Brewers at Citi Field as a precaution because of forearm tendinitis.
The Mets say a decision will not be announced until today, but they appeared to tip their hand yesterday when Nelson Figueroa — Pelfrey’s most likely replacement — was pulled just two innings into his start for Triple-A Buffalo.
Figueroa, a fill-in starter last season, was lifted without explanation after giving up three runs on two hits (both homers) against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“We’re taking all types of precaution at this point,” manager Jerry Manuel said of the Figueroa move.
Pelfrey was diagnosed with tendinitis in his right forearm Wednesday. The big right-hander said it was no big deal and that he planned to make his next start, but the Mets seem to disagree.
If Figueroa is recalled but Pelfrey does not go on the disabled list, the Mets would have to make a roster move. Reliever Bobby Parnell or backup outfielder Jeremy Reed would be likely candidates.
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Catcher Brian Schneider was given the night off because of what the Mets listed as back stiffness and a leg strain.
Ramon Castro got the start in Schneider’s place and hit a two-run homer in the eighth before Manuel announced that Castro would start again tonight against the Brewers.
The Mets also were willing to sit Schneider in light of his woeful .143 average (3-for-21) in his first seven games. Team officials, however, said they don’t think Schneider’s health problems will merit a trip to the DL.
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With the Mets yet to face a lefty starter, Manuel said he is feeling a little guilty about keeping Fernando Tatis in a deep freeze with Tatis coming off the NL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Tatis has just three at-bats this year while appearing in four games, but Manuel plans to correct that by starting Tatis at second base in place of Luis Castillo at least once this weekend.
“I want to see if I can get his bat in the lineup someplace and give Luis a break,” Manuel said of Tatis. “I do need to get Tatis 3-4 at bats in one game. He’s a key guy for us.”
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Carlos Beltran‘s 13-game hitting streak dating to last season ended last night. … Carlos Delgado‘s three-run homer in the first inning moved him past the 1,500-RBI mark for his career. Delgado now has 1,501.