Victor

Zambrano

Only Pedro Martinez (.212) has a better batting average against than Zambrano’s .214. Problem is, Zambrano leads the AL in walks with 57 and wild pitches with nine, and is third in hit batters with eight.

The Mets will continue to cross their fingers that Zambrano will be okay, Kris Benson will sign, they figure an amicable way to hold on to Al Leiter, and Tom Glavine can pitch better.

Zambrano is out for the season, and is unsure whether surgery may be required.

“I’d say it’s iffy,” manager Art Howe said when asked about Zambrano’s return this year. He has not thrown since being placed on the disabled list and there is no timetable for his return. If it is possible, the Zambrano for Scott Kazmir trade is looking even worse for the Mets.

Zambrano will seek a third opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum regarding the flexor strain in his elbow.

What particularly concerned one Mets official was that Zambrano’s muscle stiffened where the triceps meets the elbow. The pitcher had been struggling with flexor tendinitis since June with the Devil Rays, but the Mets traded for him anyway, convinced it was a short-term injury treatable with rest. Their trades are just looking worse and worse.

“He is completely healed,” agent Peter Greenberg said. Zambrano said he injured his ankle in his very first start as a Met, Aug. 5 at Milwaukee, and the problem only grew worse after he re-injured his elbow. He’s expected to be fine for spring training.

The Tampa Bay rotation currently includes Dewon Brazelton, Carlos Reyes, Jeremi Gonzalez, Joe Kennedy and Zambrano. Zambrano might have a little fantasy value if he starts throwing strikes, but it’s not a good idea to pick him up right now.

Manager Lou Piniella is undecided whether Zambrano will go back into the rotation next week.

Piniella probably is in no rush to give Jeremi Gonzalez another start against the Yankees. Mark Hendrickson is the other candidate to start Wednesday.