Steve

Trachsel

“There’s all kinds of crazy language in it,” said Trachsel, 33, whose contract had been due to kick in for next season at $5 million when he reached 180 innings.

Tom Glavine is likely to start Friday. The Mets are optimistic Al Leiter will be able to return Saturday or Sunday.

The Red Sox had inquired about Trachsel to bolster their starting rotation.

Who pitches Friday depends on whether Tom Glavine is used in the All-Star game. If Glavine pitches in the game, Jae Seo will go Friday, followed by Glavine and Al Leiter. Matt Ginter remains the fifth starter ''unless something develops’’ on the trade market, manager Art Howe said.

Despite his success, the Mets will have him make one more start in the minors and keep Jae Seo in the rotation for now.

Hi final rehab appearance, this time with Triple-A Norfolk, will be Friday against Louisville, and then he should be ready to pitch for the Mets.

He’s set to return for the Mets, meaning tonight may be Jae Seo’s last start for a while. Then again, Seo enters today’s game with the longest scoreless-innings streak by a Mets starter this season (14 1/3 innings) after he shut out the Cubs for 7 1/3 innings last Saturday. ''I don’t think it’s fair to think he’s on trial every time he pitches,’' manager Willie Randolph said. ''He’s done a nice job. He pitched well last time. He did well when he first came up. Hopefully he’ll do well next time out. But I don’t want him thinking because Trachsel is coming back that he’s going to be out.’' It sounds like Randolph is going to try to find a way for Seo to continue to pitch, which is probably smart.

That almost has to be the end of Trachsel’s rehab assignment, although whether he’ll be activated to act as a starter or a reliever remains a mystery.

''I don’t jump ahead four or five starts down the road because that can change,’' Randolph said. ''Right now, yes, Victor’s going to make his next start.’'

Deputy GM Jim Duquette said the Mets will meet to consider using six starters or to have Trachsel work in relief. There’s an outside chance that Trachsel - who will be with the team tomorrow - could also be traded if the right deal comes along. It’s probably not a good idea to activate him just yet, as Trachsel may not respond well to pitching in relief. ''I wouldn’t come back if I wasn’t (starting). I’ve never done anything else. I wouldn’t be myself in the bullpen.’'