Scott

Strickland

Strickland, Matt Ginter, Orber Moreno, Heath Bell, Bartolome Fortunato, Roberto Hernandez, Tyler Yates, Grant Roberts and Alay Soler are currently set to compete for two or three jobs, depending on whether the Mets opt for 11 or 12 pitchers. The team is also trying to sign Jeff Nelson.

Strickland is on the 60-day DL, and can’t return until June 3 at the earliest.

Strickland is out for the rest of this season and a good portion of next season. Standard recovery time is 12-18 months.

Strickland is obviously out for the season, but may try to return earlier than the 12-month forecast.

Strickland plans to spend April in extended spring training and then begin a rehab assignment at the start of May. Since recoveries from Tommy John surgery usually involve a setback or two, Strickland probably won’t return until June or July.

Strickland hopes for a mid-May return, but that may be optimistic.

Strickland has fanned nine and allowed two hits in 6 2/3 innings since joining Round Rock. He might claim a spot in Houston’s pen later this month.

He’s given up 14 hits, walked five and struck out 27. If the Pirates still don’t want to give him a chance, maybe it’s time they let him go elsewhere. Strickland should be in some club’s bullpen right now.

It looks like Strickland won’t be a sleeper candidate for saves.

''I’m so happy,’' he said. ''I was doing imaginary jumping jacks afterwards in my head.’' Imaginary jumping jacks? Strickland, in camp as a non-roster player, is a top candidate for a spot in the Mets pen if he shows he’s healthy. He has an out in his contract, so he can become a free agent if he doesn’t make the team.