On the Mets beat

In a sad development this morning, the Mets announced the passing of Damion Easley's dad, Raymond, last night at his home in Riverside, Calif. Easley was placed on the Bereavement List on Tuesday to be with his ailing father and the Mets are unsure when he will return. The maximum stay on the list -- with pay -- is seven days but Easley is not expected to rejoin the team until later in the week. There also is the possibility he may need a brief minor-league assignment.