On the Mets beat

Any thought about keeping Brandon Knight around as a long reliever went out the window when the Saturday night game lasted into Sunday morning. Beause it went 14 innings and the entire bullpen was used--and Aaron Heilman was maybe a little overused--the Mets had to get an arm, fast.

So they designated Knight for assignment, allowing him to join the U.S. Olympic team on its way to Beijing. His start Saturday, which could have resulted in a win had the bullpen held onto a 5-4 lead, will serve as a nice sendoff. Mets players were wishing him well in the clubhouse today.

His spot on the roster has been taken by Willie Collazo, who is probably here for the day because Heilman is unavailable and a few other pitchers probably are tired.

In other pitching news, Jerry Manuel said he plans to speak with Pedro Martinez today and talk about the chance of starting Martinez Friday in Houston. Martinez is on bereavement leave, which is why the club had to tab Knight to start Saturday. Martinez will have to pitch to batters sometime this week, possibly in a simulated game, to get ready.

--Mark Herrmann at Shea Stadium

Today's lineup

J. Reyes SS
Chavez RF
Wright 3B
Delgado 1B
Beltran CF
Tatis LF
Easley 2B
Castro C
Santana P