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Nationals-Mets Preview

Apr 10, 2010 - 5:34 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Washington (1-2) at New York (1-2), 1:10 p.m. EDT

Jose Reyes missed most of a miserable 2009 season for the New York Mets because of a hamstring injury. A diagnosis of a hyperactive thyroid during the spring proved to be another setback.

Now, Reyes is finally ready to return for the first time since last May as the Mets continue a three-game series against the Washington Nationals on Saturday.

Reyes was limited to 36 games last year after suffering a hamstring injury, and without its All-Star shortstop - and several other key players who spent extended time on the disabled list - New York struggled to a 70-92 finish in 2009.

Reyes was eager to get back on the field before he was diagnosed with a thyroid condition, which caused him to miss three weeks of spring training. He started the season on the disabled list in hopes of getting into better shape.

The Mets announced Friday that Reyes would return to action Saturday for the first time since May 20.

"He's electric," manager Jerry Manuel said. "When they say 'New York Mets' and he takes the field, he's flying full speed."

Reyes hit .279 with two home runs and 15 RBI last season after batting .297 with 16 homers and 68 RBI in 2008.

The Mets (2-2) offense had little trouble without him Friday, recording an 8-2 win over the Nationals (1-3). Jeff Francoeur and Rod Barajas each hit two home runs, an encouraging sign for a team that hit just 49 homers in its first season at Citi Field in 2009.

While Reyes can expect a warm welcome from the Citi Field crowd, fans might not be as friendly toward starter Oliver Perez, who was booed during the team introductions in Monday's season opener. The left-hander - hampered by injuries and erratic control - was 3-4 with a 6.82 ERA last season, drawing the ire of fans.

Perez won 15 games in 2007, but has had problems since. He walked 58 over 66 innings in 2009 and started only 14 games after signing a $36 million contract.

His spring training didn't alleviate concerns. He went 0-1 in five starts and one relief appearance, posting an 8.68 ERA while walking 10 in 18 2-3 innings.

Perez, though, will try to put all that behind him. He lost both outings to the Nationals last season, giving up 11 runs and walking nine in 10 1-3 innings. Overall, he is 3-5 with a 7.14 ERA against them.

Washington, though, has been outscored 32-13 to start the season. The team had four hits Friday and was 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

"I love this ballclub. I love the way they compete. That being said," manager Jim Riggleman said, "I want to see us execute better."

The Nationals will hand the ball to John Lannan (0-1, 12.27 ERA), who looks to bounce back after lasting only 3 2-3 innings against the Phillies on Monday. Lannan gave up five runs and seven hits in the 11-1 loss, with eight of the 10 batters he faced in the fourth inning reaching base.

The left-hander is 3-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 10 career starts against the Mets, including 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA in five starts in New York.

Francoeur is 11 for 22 with three doubles and a home run against Lannan.