Jason

Phillips

He may not be available for today’s game either.

Phillips is a better hitter than this, and the more valuable offensive player of the current Mets catchers. Despite his slump, he’ll play enough at catcher and first base to give him value in NL-only leagues.

Phillips was out of the lineup again Sunday. He’s hitting exactly .300, but doesn’t intend to sit out the rest of the way with the injury to preserve his batting average.

Phillips will still get at-bats, but with Todd Zeile hitting right now, and Phillips sitting on a .157 average, until Zeile goes cold or Phillips heats up, his playing time will diminish. Something to consider if you are counting on Phillips on your fantasy team.

Howe conceded that Phillips ''had his foot in the door’’ to be the regular catcher, but his recent struggles warranted a change. ''I’m going to give Vance a look-see,’' Howe said. ''He’s bided his time. He’s going to get an opportunity.’'

Rather than play Olmedo Saenz or Hee Seop Choi at first base, manager Jim Tracy used Jeff Kent at first and Antonio Perez at second. Phillips is day-to-day.

He is experiencing swelling in his left hand and probably won’t see any action again until Tuesday, although there’s an outside shot he will play first base today. Don’t count on it.

Dioner Navarro could use a day off, so Phillips will likely catch if he’s ready to play.

They’re talking about playing him at first base.

His status for this week is uncertain and he could be headed for the DL. ''I’m not completely optimistic about it,’' manager Jim Tracy said. Placing Phillips on the disabled list would be a consideration because rookie Dioner Navarro is the only healthy catcher on the roster, so they’d be able to call another one up.