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Figueroa gets rare start as Mets host Brewers

Apr 11, 2008 - 2:15 PM Milwaukee (6-3) at NY Mets (4-4) 7:10 pm EDT

FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) - One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity.

Nelson Figueroa looks to make the most of his first start in more than three years as the New York Mets open a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday.

Figueroa, who has not pitched in the majors since 2004, is only starting because Pedro Martinez is the disabled list with a hamstring injury.

The six-year veteran will look to help the Mets win a second straight game after Angel Pagan singled home the winning run in the 12th inning to give New York a 4-3 victory over Philadelphia on Thursday.

Figueroa is the definition of a journeyman. Since 2004, the 33-year-old has spent time in the minors, as well as in professional league in Mexico and Taiwan.

When Martinez went down in his first start on April 1, Figueroa got his latest chance. The righthander was called up from Class AAA New Orleans, and since then has appeared in two games - both in relief.

Now Figueroa gets his first chance to start against one of his former teams. Coincidentally, the Brewers are also the last team Figueroa beat in his last start on August 15, 2003 as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Figueroa will be opposed by 25-year-old lefthander Manny Parra (1-0, 3.38 ERA), who picked up his first career win against San Francisco on Saturday. Parra allowed two runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 5-4 victory.

This is the lone trip to New York for the Brewers, who have lost two straight.