Major League Baseball

Mets star Reyes set to return to lineup Saturday

Published Apr. 10, 2010 12:26 a.m. ET

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Jose Reyes hooted at teammates, hugged opponents and hustled onto the field.

Yep, the All-Star shortstop is ready to return to the lineup for the New York Mets.

Sidelined most of last year because of a hamstring problem and out for much of spring training with a hyperactive thyroid, Reyes is set to make his season debut Saturday against Washington.

``Unless he gets hit by a car or something,'' Mets manager Jerry Manuel said.

On a team beset by injuries in 2009, that's no joke. But Reyes assured everyone he's fine.

``There is nothing to be concerned about,'' he said before Friday night's game.

The Mets plan to activate him the first day he's eligible to come off the disabled list and start him right away.

``Leading off tomorrow, no doubt about it,'' Manuel said. ``We need that kind of spark.''

Reyes is clearly the Mets' catalyst and brings a bounce to the team -- in the clubhouse, in the dugout and between the lines.

``He's electric,'' Manuel said. ``When they say 'New York Mets' and he takes the field, he's flying full speed.''

Minus Reyes during this opening week, the Mets have been using Alex Cora and Ruben Tejada at shortstop. All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltran and first baseman Daniel Murphy also opened the season on the DL.

The Mets lost Reyes after May 20, and a season that started with plenty of hope never got going. The two-time All-Star stole 11 bases in 36 games last year and had surgery in October.

Reyes was a source of concern to the Mets this spring after he was diagnosed with a thyroid condition. He has been playing in the minors this week to get back into shape.

Reyes rejoined the Mets on Friday, and he certainly looked -- and sounded -- all right.

Slapping hands with teammates and cackling as he walked to his stall, he hollered at reliever Francisco Rodriguez and shouted across the locker room at Pedro Feliciano. On the field, he hugged Nationals pitcher John Lannan and greeted several Washington players.

Reyes took grounders and batting practice, then pronounced himself ready to return to the majors.

``It feels like two years,'' he said.

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