Brian

Bannister

Bannister gave up two earned runs on six hits and four walks during an 83-pitch five-inning outing at Port St. Lucie on Wednesday. He will make at least two more minor league starts before the Mets will decide if they want him to join the major league club or join Triple-A Norfolk.

Bannister has been roughed up in both of his starts since he was moved up to Triple-A to continue his rehab. With Mike Pelfrey on the DL, Bannister is next in line for a rotation spot should anything happen to a Mets starter. However, the team would have to look elsewhere if Bannister doesn’t improve over his next couple of outings.

Bannister has allowed just two runs in his past two rehab starts. He is expected to make at least two more rehab starts before the Mets will decide to add him to their roster or send him to Triple-A Norfolk for more seasoning.

He threw seven scoreless innings for Single-A St. Lucie his previous time out. Bannister will be competing with Mike Pelfrey for any spot starts that open up over the rest of the season.

Bannister is expected to remain at Norfolk when he is activated from the disabled list. He will rejoin the Mets if there are any injuries or any of the current members of the rotation struggle.

Bannister should return to the Mets’ rotation later in the season. He is eligible to come off the disabled list on June 26.

Bannister could throw another simulated game this week and then make at least three minor league rehab starts before he rejoins the Mets’ rotation. He isn’t eligible to come off the disabled list until June 26.

Bannister, who had a setback with his injured hamstring two weeks ago, will be ineligible to pitch for the Mets until June 26.

Tom Glavine is expected back next week, so Bannister wasn’t likely to be needed to make another start. He’ll rejoin the Mets in September.

Bannister has pitched well enough in his last two starts to make himself a candidate to step into the rotation in place of Pedro Martinez or Tom Glavine this weekend. He’d probably be worth using in NL-only leagues if he gets the opportunity to start games.