PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Pedro Martinez could rejoin the New York Mets’ rotation in September after making at least one minor rehab start in the minor leagues.
Mets general manager Omar Minaya said before Tuesday’s game against the Phillies he was hopeful that if all goes well, Martinez could start during the final two weeks of the regular season.
“We’ll see how he feels,” Minaya said.
Martinez allowed an unearned run and five hits in six innings Monday night for the St. Lucie Mets against the Palm Beach Cardinals in a Class-A Florida State League game. It was the fourth rehab start for Martinez, who is coming back from rotator cuff surgery.
Minaya said his scouting report said the final three innings were the best Martinez has looked during his rehab outings. Minaya said using Martinez as part of a six-man rotation was a “longshot.”
The Mets activated right fielder Endy Chavez from the disabled list and batted him eighth Tuesday night against Philadelphia. New York sent right-hander Brian Lawrence (1-2) to Triple-A New Orleans.
Mets manager Willie Randolph said Lawrence likely would be called up again in September after the rosters expand.
Lawrence gave up five runs and 10 hits in 4 2-3 innings in Philadelphia’s 9-2 victory over the Mets on Monday night. He was 1-2 with a 6.31 ERA in five starts.
“I didn’t pitch great so that doesn’t help things,” he said.
Chavez had been out since early June with a pulled hamstring.
“I’m happy to know I’m ready to be on the field and do the things I used to do,” Chavez said. “I feel like I’m back to life again.”
Randolph said he hasn’t decided on Saturday night’s starter, but ruled out Martinez.
“The guys that are here have to get it done,” Minaya said.
They won’t include infielder Damion Easley or pitcher Ambiorix Burgos. Minaya said Burgos had elbow-ligament replacement surgery on Tuesday. Easley has been sidelined by an ankle injury.
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