Jose Reyes back in Mets lineup

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The New York Mets activated Jose Reyes for Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader against the Florida Marlins.

Reyes, who returned to the leadoff spot and started at shortstop, went 1-for-4 with a run scored in the Mets' 5-1 win.

"I didn't have any problem with the leg. That's the good news," Reyes said after the game. "The other stuff is going to come later. ... I don't think there's any issue. I just need to get my confidence back again."

Mets manager Terry Collins said: "He's the catalyst on this club, make no mistake. When he gets on, things happen. Actually, I thought at home plate he looked a little uncomfortable tonight, but I know he was very excited about being back, and that will come with time. It may take him a few days to get his legs comfortable, which is fine. It's just great to see him back."

Reyes delayed plans Sunday to travel to New York because of Hurricane Irene and drove back Monday morning. He played three rehab games at Binghamton, N.Y., with the Mets' Double-A affiliate.

To make room on the roster, the Mets optioned outfielder Mike Baxter to Triple-A Buffalo.

Reyes last appeared in a major league game Aug. 7. He had been idle because of a strained left hamstring for the second time during the second half of the season.

To guard against future injury, Collins said he would strategically rest Reyes the remainder of the season, and duplicate that plan next season assuming the shortstop re-signs with the organization as a free agent. Collins reasoned that it is better to have Reyes in the lineup for 150 games healthy than watch him land on the disabled list and only have him for 100 games.

Ruben Tejada, who has manned shortstop in Reyes' absence, will share second-base duties with Justin Turner for the remainder of the season, according to Collins. The manager said he may periodically rest David Wright and use Turner at third base, allowing both Tejada and Turner to be in the lineup.

"I'm going to make sure Tejada gets at-bats," Collins said. "He deserves it. He earned it."

Adam Rubin covers the Mets for ESPNNewYork.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Adam Rubin

ESPNNewYork.com

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Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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