Kaz Matsui played seven innings at second base in a rehab start for the Gulf Coast League Mets on Monday. He went 2-for-4, hitting two singles.
Minaya expects Matsui to return early next week. Randolph didn't offer a ringing endorsement when discussing how the second sacker will fit in upon his return.
"When he comes back, he'll have to just fall into being part of this team," Randolph said. "It's not a situation where when he gets here, he's going to be right back in the lineup. Maybe he might. ... It could be a great situation where he gets hot and plays real well for us, and that would be right on time."
Kaz back: Matsui made his final rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Sunday, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a double and two stolen bases.He has to get in the groove quickly when he rejoins the Mets.
Randolph said that while Matsui will play second when he returns to the team, it wouldn't be as a starter right away.
"Miguel [Cairo] has been doing a good job," Randolph said. "I believe in staying with guys who played for me and busted for me every day, and I think there's something to be said for your loyalty to who's doing what for you at that particular time."
This is a site about Pro Yakyu (Japanese Baseball), not about who the next player to go over to MLB is. It's a community of Pro Yakyu fans who have come together to share their knowledge and opinions with the world. It's a place to follow teams and individuals playing baseball in Japan (and Asia), and to learn about Japanese (and Asian) culture through baseball.
It is my sincere hope that once you learn a bit about what we're about here that you will join the community of contributors.
Michael Westbay
(aka westbaystars)
Founder
Kaz was injured on a slide by A's catcher Jason Kendall last Thursday. Mets' GM Omar Minaya said the bruise is a serious injury. [News - MLB.com]