Mets shortstop Jose Reyes to start season on DL

[April 20, 2010]  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes will start the season on the disabled list to get in better shape.

Reyes said the team told him Thursday he'll be on the DL because he's had so little practice in spring training.

He returned to camp last week following a three-week absence because of thyroid issues.

"I want to be there on opening day, there's no doubt, but we have to make the right decision," Reyes said. "If I miss a couple games, it won't be a big deal because I have to get ready for the season."

Reyes isn't sure how long he'll be on the DL. But he's had just 10 at-bats in minor league games, with base-running limitations. He has yet to play more than three innings in the field in a game.

The two-time All-Star tripled in his first at-bat of an intrasquad scrimmage March 1. After blood work, he was sent to New York for more testing that revealed he had a hyperactive thyroid.

Reyes hasn't played nine innings since last May when he was sidelined for the season after 36 games because of a hamstring injury.

"It's crazy," Reyes said. "So many things happened to me in spring training. But I have to stay positive in my mind, and hopefully I can get in the games as soon as I can."

Reyes said he is feeling good overall.

"I've been doing everything no problem, but it's (getting into) baseball shape that's the key," he said. "My legs, too, everything is good. I need to get (at-bats) and go from there."

[Associated Press]

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