Mets Notes:
1- CF Carlos Beltran was examined by team physicians Monday and cleared to began a rehab assignment. He will play Wednesday for the Brooklyn Cyclones.
2- 3B David Wright will return to the line-up Tuesday vs. the Rockies. Wright, who was beaned by a pitch August 15th, will be sporting a new & improved helmet to protect his head. The headgear, manufactured by Rawlings has more padding inside and allows the helmet to absorb more impact. Ironically, Wright was set to model the helmets BEFORE the injury. Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Dempster wore the new headgear Saturday and reported no problems. “You could tell it was a little bigger. And it was shaped a little different. But I knew he was wearing it,” Wright said. “The biggest difference was the inside.” The Mets franchise does not expect any problems with his return or fear of inside pitches. “I think it will take care of itself,” Wright said. “I’m just going to make sure I walk before I run. I don’t expect any trouble getting back in the box. I guess the ultimate test will be if I get another pitch up and in. But I’m not going to worry about it.”
3- The team recalled the much hyped prospect 1B-C Josh Thole, who was hitting .328 at Doube A Binghamton. He is expected to play vs. righthanded pitchers according to Manager Jerry Manuel.
4- Starting left-handed pitchers Johan Santana and Oliver Perez both underwent successful surgeries Tuesday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. Santana had elbow fragments removed his pitching elbow while Perez’ right knee needed some scar tissue pulled from his patella tendon.
