(Luis) Castillo Set to Return, but to a Crowded Spot (RR)

Luis Castillo, who is recovering from a strained hip flexor, is eligible to come off the disabled list on Thursday. But in his absence, Damion Easley and Argenis Reyes have held down the fort. Easley is batting .292 and providing solid defense. Reyes is 5 for 18 in nine games since being called up from Class AAA New Orleans.

“I think we’re all a little worried about dealing with that right now,” Manuel said. “When the time comes, we’ll make a decision. But we’re playing very well at that position.”

Whether Castillo can string together consecutive games when he returns is a question because he has struggled with hip and knee injuries all season. Easley has not been a regular starter in at least four years, but he is Manuel’s primary alternative.

“We just have to communicate about how he feels and what it takes to get him back out here,” Manuel said of Easley, before adding that day games after night games would require special attention.

Argenis Reyes isn’t going to hit much but he does play the best defense. Easley has the most pop and his defense but he doesn’t get on base much nor does he play very good defense. Castillo gets on base and can run the bases pretty well but offers little if any power and his defense has been bad.

I’d keep playing Easley until the Met hot streak ends.