Wagner
Church
Maine
The Mets, who entered Saturday night's game against Florida a half-game ahead of the Marlins, stood a game back of the Philadelphia Phillies in the tightly bunched NL East.
But ailing closer Billy Wagner, working his way back from a strained left forearm, played catch before the game.
Outfielder Ryan Church (concussions) took batting practice and was scheduled to leave for the Mets' training complex in Florida to begin a rehab stint next week.
And John Maine said he was feeling OK after throwing 61 pitches in a simulated game on Friday.
"The doctors have been very impressed," Church said, according to Newsday. "I haven't had headaches, haven't been sluggish and haven't been feeling tired."
Maine is coming back from a mild strain in his right rotator cuff and plans to start Wednesday at Washington.
"I felt fine," Maine said Friday. "Ready to go on Wednesday. I felt no pain, no soreness. Throw my bullpen on Sunday and get ready to go on Wednesday."
To help fill the void, the Mets purchased the contract of Brian Stokes from Triple-A New Orleans to make the start Saturday night.
It was to be the first big-league appearance this year for the right-hander, who was beaten out by Joe Smith for a bullpen spot in spring training.
Stokes went 10-8 with a 4.41 ERA in 23 games (22 starts) at New Orleans, and was 2-7 with a 7.07 ERA in 59 relief appearances for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
The club optioned right-hander Ruddy Lugo to Triple-A to make room on the roster.
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