On the Mets beat

METS REINSTATE JOHN MAINE FROM DISABLED LIST

The New York Mets today recalled righthanded pitcher John Maine from his Minor League Rehabilitation Assignment, reinstated him from the 15-Day Disabled List, and optioned him to Norfolk (AAA).

Maine went 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in four rehabilitation starts, one with St. Lucie (A) of the Florida State League and three with Norfolk (AAA) of the International League. In 21.0 innings, he permitted 21 hits, nine runs, earned, with seven walks and 23 strikeouts.

Before being placed on the 15-Day Disabled List with inflammation in his right middle finger, Maine made one start against Washington at Shea on May 2nd. Maine suffered the loss, pitching 5.1 innings, allowing six hits, four runs, earned, with two walks and six strikeouts in a 6-2 defeat.

Prior to his call-up, Maine was 1-3 with a 2.63 ERA over four starts for Norfolk. In 24.0 innings, he surrendered 21 hits, 10 runs, seven earned, with five walks and 18 strikeouts.

METS SIGN DRAFT PICKS

The New York Mets announced today that they have signed 17 of their 49 draft picks from the 2006 First Year Player Draft, including fourth round selection righthanded pitcher John Holdzkom from Salt Lake Community College (UT), and righthanded pitcher Stephen Holmes, the club’s fifth round selection from the University of Rhode Island.

New York also signed their seventh round pick outfielder Daniel Stegall from Greenwood High School (AR), righthanded pitcher Nathan Hedrick, the eighth round pick from Barton County Community College (AR), the 13th round selection infielder Daniel Murphy from Jacksonville University (FL), lefthanded pitcher Duane Privett, the club’s 14th round pick from the College of Southern Idaho, the 16th round pick righthanded pitcher Tobi Stoner from Davis and Elkins College (WV), catcher Stephen Puhl, the 17th round selection from St. Edward’s University (TX), a 23rd round selection righthanded pitcher Nicholas Waechter from Western Oregon University, infielder Valentin Ramos, the 24th round pick from Sallisaw High School (OK), righthanded pitcher Steven Cheney, the 25th round pick out of Gulf Coast Community College (FL), the 28th round selection outfielder Will Bashelor from Dartmouth College (NH), infielder Jacob Eigsti, the club’s 29th round pick from Indiana State University, outfielder Jeremy Hambrice, the 31st round selection out of Southern Arkansas University, the 34th round pick infielder Jeffery Voyles from the University of Texas-San Antonio, the 39th round pick outfielder Donald Green from Texas Southern University and righthanded pitcher Kyle Johnson, the club’s 46th round selection from Chapman University (CA).

Privett, Cheney and Hambrice will be assigned to Kingsport (R) of the Appalachian League. Holmes, Murphy, Stoner, Puhl, Waechter, Bashelor and Eigsti will report to Brooklyn (A) of the New York-Penn League. Holdzkom, Stegall, Hedrick, Ramos, Voyles, Green and Johnson will join the rookie-level Gulf Coast Mets.