While he wasn't exactly off to a hot start, Jose Reyes is an extremely important cog to the New York Mets. He's been on the shelf with a torn hamstring tendon since May 20. The Mets initially played well without him, but have since fallen on tough times. They defeated Tampa Bay Friday night, but have still lost six of their last nine games. It's true that Reyes' absence isn't the only thing ailing the Mets, but he's such a dynamic player he helps every aspect of the team. With that in mind, the Mets can be cautiously optimistic with the news that Reyes has begun to complete some baseball tasks -- albeit on a limited basis.
Friday, Reyes took batting practice and played catch, which is an increase in workload to the running on the treadmill he had been doing. Saturday, the Mets are planning on having him field some ground balls at shortstop before their home tilt against the Rays.
If things keep progressing on this path, you'll be hearing "Jose, Jose Jose Jose" from the Citi Field stands sooner than later. This is bad news for opponents of the Mets.
The 26-year-old Reyes was hitting .279 with two home runs, 15 RBI, 18 runs and 11 stolen bases before falling injured. In the past four seasons, Reyes has stolen 258 bases and scored 453 runs, making him one of the best -- if not the best -- table-setters in all of baseball. The numbers don't do justice to the havoc he wreaks on opposing pitchers from the basepaths, either. Often, pitchers pay so much attention to Reyes when he's on base, they neglect to give due attention to the batter. Having him atop the lineup is paramount to any run the Mets plan on making at the division-leading Phillies -- whom the Mets trail by two games.
