NEW YORK -- A day after suffering a Grade 1 strain of his left intercostal muscle, José Reyes said he hopes he can return to the Mets by Friday for their game against the Rockies at Citi Field.
Reyes called Wednesday's series finale against the Cardinals a "treatment day," with no plans to be available as a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement off the bench. He will also rest Thursday, in the hope of returning as soon as Friday.
"We're going to take it day by day and see what happens," Reyes said.
Though Reyes' absence leaves the Mets in a familiar position, shorthanded on the bench for at least the next two days, they can take solace in the fact that they'll face left-handed starting pitchers on Thursday and Saturday. That means Wilmer Flores, who will fill in for Reyes at third base, will have the platoon advantage often this week. Flores entered Wednesday's play batting .333 versus lefty pitchers, but only .230 against right-handers.
Reyes is batting .239 with three homers and a .770 OPS in 16 games. He said he injured his intercostal on a swing in his second-to-last at-bat of Tuesday afternoon's game but played the final three innings before heading to the hospital for testing.