Mets Release DeJean, Put Matsui on 15-Day DL
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The slumping Mets released struggling reliever Mike DeJean yesterday and put second baseman Kaz Matsui on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised knee.
The Mets also activated left-handed reliever Dae-Sung Koo from the DL and will call up outfielder Gerald Williams from Triple-A Norfolk before tonight’s game in Philadelphia.
“We felt, based on performance, Koo had been pitching better than DeJean,” General Manager Omar Minaya said, adding that the team also wanted another lefty in the bullpen against the Phillies and Yankees this week.
Matsui was injured while turning a game-ending double play in Oakland last Thursday, when Jason Kendall slid hard into his knee. An MRI yesterday showed a very deep bruise.
“We hope it’s just two weeks, but it could be longer,” Minaya said.
The ineffective Matsui had been sharing time at second base with Miguel Cairo, also on the 15-day disabled list, with a hamstring injury. Matsui is batting .234. Chris Woodward and Marlon Anderson figure to take over at second.
Right fielder Mike Cameron had fluid drained from his ailing left quadriceps and could be available tonight. He hasn’t played since June 12.
DeJean was 3-1 with a 6.31 ERA in 28 appearances. Signed to a $1.15 million, one year contract, he was expected to be the setup man for Braden Looper this year. But DeJean lost that job to Roberto Hernandez.
