Philip

Humber

Humber responded, ''Fast track to [Single-A] St.Lucie, baby. Already here.’' The former Rice Owl is known for his fastball and willingness to pitch inside.

Therefore, the righthander from Rice probably will make his debut in the instructional league, then head to the Arizona Fall League.

It wasn’t Humber’s Double-A debut; he was promoted to the level last year, only to hurt his elbow in his first start for Binghamton. Following his return from Tommy John surgery in June, he went 3-1 with a 2.37 ERA, 24 H and 36/9 K/BB in 38 IP for Single-A St. Lucie.

Manager Willie Randolph said he would like Humber to get a taste of big-league action. Humber threw a bullpen session with pitching coach Rick Peterson on Thursday. The Mets are playing this one smart, as Humber is a big part of their future.

He is scheduled to throw one inning. Humber is assured of a rotation spot after posting a surprising 3.75 ERA and 116/41 K/BB ratio over 163 innings last season, but we wouldn’t pay for a repeat in fantasy leagues.

It’s been quite the week of mixed emotions for Humber. From his masterfully pitched perfect game on Saturday, to the birth of a child during the week, and now to a disaster against the Red Sox. He’ll hope to rebound and get back on track when he takes on the Indians next week.

Humber struck out seven and walked three, but still couldn’t pick up his first victory since his April 21 perfect game. The quality start was his second in three outings, however, while he bounced back nicely from a rough outing against the Indians last Monday. Humber has a solid matchup lined up for Friday afternoon, where he’ll get the Cubs in Wrigley Field.

He was scheduled to throw just one inning, but came out for the second after sending the Dodgers down in order in the first. Humber turned in a 5.87 Cactus League ERA last spring before going on to post a 3.75 mark in 163 regular-season frames.

Humber is expected to return before his scheduled Thursday start against the Red Sox. The 29-year-old right-hander hurled the 21st perfect game in major league history on Saturday afternoon vs. the Mariners.

We hope no one picked Humber up in mixed leagues after the perfect game on April 21. In three starts since, he has given up 20 runs in 13 1/3 innings, taking his ERA from 0.63 to 6.83.