Barajas plays despite banged-up wrist

MILWAUKEE - Rod Barajas returned to the lineup for Friday's series opener against the Brewers, but that was not exactly an indication that the Mets' No. 1 catcher was feeling particularly healthy. It had to be considered an improvement that Barajas was not wearing a brace on his bruised right wrist, as he did Thursday. When asked, however, Barajas nodded that it was good enough to play.

"It should be OK," he said. "We'll see."

Barajas injured the wrist Wednesday trying to corral a wild pitch from Jenrry Mejia in the seventh inning. He was checked on by Jerry Manuel and trainer Ray Ramirez but finished the game. X-rays were negative.

With Barajas already playing with a bruised left index finger, it was unclear how the injuries to both hands might impede his offensive production, but he went 2-for-3 in the Mets' 2-0 loss. He entered Friday with a team-leading 10 homers and trailed only David Wright with 27 RBIs in 38 games.

Castillo sits again

Manuel continued his careful management of Luis Castillo by giving him a breather Friday and starting Alex Cora at second base. Castillo has remained productive despite a bone bruise affecting the ball of his left foot, and Manuel preferred to save him for the two lefthanders starting for the Brewers this weekend, Manny Parra and Randy Wolf.

"Hopefully, Luis can play the night game and day game," Manuel said. "At least it gives him a little break to rest the foot and be ready to go the next two days."

Niese to throw

Jon Niese (hamstring) will throw a bullpen session Saturday in Port St. Lucie and the Mets likely will determine a date for a rehab start if he makes it through without any problems.