Monday Morning — June 23rd, 2003
After today's off day, the Mets continue their homestand with a three game series against the Florida Marlins. Then the team hits the road, traveling all the way to the Bronx for an Interleague series against the Yankees. Except that the Mets and Yankees will interrupt the road trip to come back to Shea on Saturday night to make up last Saturday's rainout. The last time that the two teams faced off in a home-and-home doubleheader was July 8, 2000, a day that lives in infamy because of Roger Clemens' beaning of Mike Piazza in the nightcap. Although Clemens is tentatively scheduled to pitch next Saturday, past practice indicates that he will likely pitch the day game in the Bronx rather than the night game at Shea.
Scott Strickland stayed in Anaheim, and will see noted physician Dr. Lewis Yocum today. It is anticipated that Dr. Yocum will perform Tommy John surgery on the right hander on Tuesday. Dr. Yocum performed the same procedure onIn Grand Style - On June 15, Jose Reyes became the second player in Mets history to hit a grand slam for his first major league home run. The first to have done that was pitcher Jack Hamilton - his first and only home run was a grand slam against the Cardinals at Shea on May 20, 1967.
The Perfect One-Hitter - No Met has ever thrown a no-hitter, but last Tuesday Jae Weong Seo and the bullpen combined on a one-hitter. Further, as Juan Encarnacion, who had singled for the Marlins' only hit of the game, was caught stealing, this marked the first time in Mets history that the team has faced the minimum number of 27 batters in a game.
Health Update - As expected, noted surgeon Dr. Lewis Yocum performed season-ending Tommy John surgery on Scott Strickland last Tuesday. Strickland is expected to be able to begin a throwing program in about 16 weeks.
First base prospect Craig Brazell, who plays for AA Binghamton, has been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a nerve disorder that causes facial paralysis. The condition is curable and Brazell, who is on medication, is expected to be able to play despite the illness.
Roster News - Scott Strickland has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Jason Roach has been sent back to Norfolk, and right-hander Dan Wheeler has been called up in his place. Wheeler made his Mets debut on Wednesday, pitching three perfect innings against the Marlins to earn his first major league save.
Mets Milestone - Jeromy Burnitz's double in the fifth inning of last Wednesday's game was the 1,000th hit of his career.
When the Mets Are Away, Run At Shea! - August 9th is the date for the New York Road Runner's annual Run to Home Plate. There is a 5K race that starts out at the Shea parking lot, goes around the Unisphere in Flushing Meadow Park, and ends in Shea near home plate. There will also be kids races that morning. If you've ever dreamed of running on hallowed ground, this is a great event. More information and online registration are available at http://www.nyrrc.org/race/2003/r0809x00.htm.
Get Well Wishes - To former Mets manager Bobby Valentine, who is recuperating after undergoing triple hernia surgery on Thursday.
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Unless otherwise stated, these stories have been extracted from reports on www.nydailynews.com, www.nypost.com, www.nytimes.com, www.njo.com, www.newsday.com, www.bergenrecord.com, AP , and www.mets.com reports.
