Baseball

The triple should have been a double, too, but Xavier Paul fell down in left field twice on the play. Ankiel is now 10-for-31 with seven extra-base hits as a member of the Mets. It probably won't last, but it's nice to see him doing well. His career was in danger of being over when the Astros let him go.

Cleared of his recent clavicle issue, it was his first start since May 11. Wheeler threw a total of 67 pitches and allowed five hits and two walks while striking out two. He also hit a batter. Given the long layoff, the results shouldn't be taken too critically. Still, the Mets want to see another solid string of starts before he is called up to the majors. We're still guessing he'll be up in mid-June.

It wasn't about Montero's performance, as he allowed two runs on four hits and a walk in 6 2/3 innings while striking out five. The 22-year-old right-hander should get a legitimate chance in the Triple-A rotation before long and could be a consideration for a cup of coffee with the big club in September.

Byrdak, who had shoulder surgery last September, resumed throwing earlier this month and has worked his way up to 25 pitches. It's not clear when he'll be ready for a rehab assignment, but he's hoping to rejoin the Mets around midseason.

Niese has consecutive quality starts in his last two outings. The left-hander allowed five hits and three walks on the night, striking out seven. He hasn't fully turned the corner yet, but he's looking better than he did in his first two May starts. He'll start again on Monday against the Yankees.

Davis doesn't come as a big surprise given his miserable slump, but Tejada has also been a major disappointment while Valdespin hasn't produced enough to be worth the distraction his presence causes on the roster. The Mets still see Davis and Tejada as potential long-term pieces, so any decision will be made with careful consideration about their development.

Marcum bounced back nicely from a three-run first and ended up striking out a season-high seven. Alas, it wasn't enough with the Mets managing just three runs on the night. Marcum will get the Braves next, making him a weak play in NL-only leagues.