Tim

Byrdak

Byrdak is holding out hope for be ready for Opening Day, despite undergoing knee surgery two weeks ago, but he’s more likely to return after the first series of the season. Danny Herrera could make the Opening Day roster if he needs more time.

Byrdak flew back to New York this weekend to have his knee examined by team doctor Struan Coleman, and the diagnosis was a torn meniscus. He was expected to serve as the Mets’ lone left-handed reliever this year, but he’ll be out for at least the first month of the season. The Mets may need to do some shopping.

Byrdak was diagnosed with a torn meniscus on Monday in New York and is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday to have it repaired. The Mets have promoted left-hander Josh Edgin from minor league camp.

The current plan is to use Ramon Ramirez more frequently against left-handed hitters. Ramirez, who was acquired as part of the Angel Pagan deal this offseason, has a 3.93 ERA in 15 appearances with the Mets.

Byrdak underwent surgery early last week to repair torn meniscus cartilage in his left knee. The veteran southpaw hopes to get back on a mound next week, but he’s cutting things really close to be ready for Opening Day. Garrett Olson would likely take his place as the lefty specialist if he needs some extra recovery time.

Byrdak underwent surgery in mid-March to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, but he pitched in a minor league game Saturday without incident. It’s expected that he’ll make an appearance in one of the final two Grapefruit League games this week against the Yankees.

As expected. Byrdak is expected to miss approximately six weeks, so non-roster players Garrett Olson and Chuck James are suddenly the favorites to fill his spot as the team’s left-handed specialist. Daniel Herrera and prospect left-hander Robert Carson are also possibilities.

Byrdak underwent knee surgery on March 13 but hasn’t been ruled out for Opening Day. Daniel Herrera is expected take his place on the roster as a left-handed specialist if he needs more time.

Francisco allowed a leadoff single to Buster Posey before getting Aubrey Huff to ground out. However, he was pulled after walking Nate Schierholtz and giving up an RBI single to Emmanuel Burriss. Tim Byrdak struck out Hector Sanchez before Jon Rauch entered the game face Brandon Belt. Belt hit what appeared to be a game-ending pop-up, but it fell for a game-tying two-run double after Kirk Nieuwenhuis overran it in center field. Rauch escaped with the score tied and the Mets eventually won in similarly wacky fashion in the bottom of the ninth, but the back end of the bullpen is an issue. Francisco has allowed at least one run in each of his last four appearances, so it’s likely his knee is still an issue.

It was not a major procedure, and the hope is that Byrdak will be ready to join the Mets’ bullpen by the end of April. “Even the day after the surgery they said, ‘Wow, it looks great,’” he told reporters recently.