Reliever, starter: Gee's role uncertain
Dillon Gee #35 of the New York Mets pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field. (April 23, 2011) Credit: Jim McIsaac
Manager Terry Collins admitted to walking a tightrope of sorts when it comes to Dillon Gee. Though he's pleased that the righthander has provided a boost out of the bullpen of late -- Gee allowed no runs and struck out three in a combined 2 2/3 innings of relief on Tuesday and Wednesday -- Collins said he's "on the fence" about Gee's role as a reliever.
"Right now that's where he's helping us the most," he said of Gee, who last started a game April 23, when Gee got the win after allowing two runs and five hits over six innings against the Diamondbacks. "But we've got to be aware that sooner or later, we've got to make sure that this guy is ready in case we need him as a starter."
Collins said the loss of Jenrry Mejia, who is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery -- a procedure Triple-A pitcher Boof Bonser had last month -- only complicates the Mets' situation. "Mejia is down, Boof Bonser is down," Collins said. "Pat Misch is the one guy there. Josh Stinson is an option we have. But Dillon Gee, we've got to make sure we have ourselves some security."
Bay's baby break over
Jason Bay was back at Citi Field and in the starting lineup just hours after his third child, son Garrett David, and wife Kristen were discharged from the hospital. The leftfielder arrived at the ballpark around 10:30 a.m.
"I could use a little more sleep, but everybody could," said Bay, who went 1-for-3 with a walk and run against the Giants.
Extra bases
After sitting the past two games, struggling catcher Josh Thole is expected to be back in the lineup tonight. Collins said be believes the time off has helped the younger catcher, who has struggled defensively . . . With the win, the Mets improved to 7-2 vs. lefthanded starters . . . Second baseman Chin-lung Hu went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk in his first start since April 9 . . . Scott Hairston, who started in centerfield, stole his first base of the season . . . The Mets will host Ecuador and Greece in their inaugural soccer match at Citi Field at 8 p.m. on June 7. Tickets will be available online to the public May 9 and also can be purchased in person May 10 at the Jackie Robinson Rotunda.
