Mets call up Lima, option Bell to minors

Updated: July 4, 2006, 3:36 PM ET
Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Needing a fresh arm, the New York Mets purchased pitcher Jose Lima's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday and optioned reliever Heath Bell to their top farm club.

Lima went 0-3 with an 8.79 ERA in three starts for the NL East-leading Mets from May 7-20. But since then, the right-hander had pitched pretty well at Norfolk, going 4-2 with a 3.86 ERA in seven starts.

Always a colorful character, the 34-year-old Lima received warm greetings from several teammates in the clubhouse before New York played the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was in uniform and available for the game.

"Just happy to be back. I went down there and worked hard, tried to get it straightened out. I think I did," Lima said. "At least they gave me the opportunity to come back here and prove that I can help."

If Lima isn't needed too much out of the bullpen during the Pittsburgh series, he could start Friday night or Saturday against Florida. The Mets and Marlins play a doubleheader Saturday.

Pedro Martinez's health will also help determine whether Lima gets a start. The three-time Cy Young Award winner skipped his scheduled turn Monday night because of a sore hip, and the Mets aren't sure if he'll pitch again before the All-Star break.

John Maine, who took the loss against the Pirates on Monday night, is slated to start one game in the doubleheader. Martinez could go in the other -- or he could be placed on the disabled list.

Long reliever Darren Oliver is also a possibility to start this weekend, and the Mets might even choose to call up top prospect Mike Pelfrey from the minors -- their 2005 first-round draft pick.

Martinez did some light tossing in the bullpen Monday, and manager Willie Randolph said he would talk to his ace Wednesday to see how he feels.

New York gave up a total of 27 runs Sunday and Monday night in consecutive losses to the Yankees and Pirates, taking a toll on the bullpen.

"We've been taxed pretty good," Randolph said.

Bell threw 66 pitches Sunday night in a 16-7 loss to the Yankees, allowing eight runs -- four earned -- and six hits in 2 1-3 innings. He also walked two.

The 28-year-old right-hander is 0-0 with a 3.68 ERA in 14 appearances with the Mets. He has 19 strikeouts and nine walks in 22 innings.

"We need starters more than relievers," Bell said. "I understand the situation and I'm not too upset about it. I think I'll be back sooner rather than later."

One reliever was upset with Randolph about the way he was used Monday night.

Left-hander Pedro Feliciano criticized the manager after allowing three runs and six hits in 1 1-3 innings of New York's 11-1 loss to Pittsburgh. Feliciano had just thrown two hitless innings late in Sunday night's defeat at Yankee Stadium, and thought Oliver should have stayed in longer Monday.

Randolph wasn't happy about Feliciano's comments in the Daily News.

"I'll have a little conversation with him later on about that. After a game, it's probably late or whatever, and he said some things that I was a little surprised at," Randolph said. "I understand players sometimes get frustrated or whatever. I've been around winners all my life and that's not what they do."

To make room for Lima on the 40-man roster, right-hander Mike Adams was designated for assignment. Adams, acquired in a May 26 trade with Milwaukee for pitcher Geremi Gonzalez, was 0-0 with a 4.91 ERA in 13 relief appearances for Norfolk. He had 12 strikeouts and seven walks.

In 13 starts with the Tides this season, Lima is 6-5 with a 4.36 ERA.


Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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