Trachsel's status for rest of NLCS still uncertain
ST. LOUIS -- The Mets were unsure about pitcher Steve Trachsel's availability for the rest of the series because of a bruised right thigh.
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"He's icing down," manager Willie Randolph said. "We'll wait and see how he feels tonight and tomorrow and go from there."
Trachsel left Game 3 in the second inning Saturday night, one batter after he was struck by Preston Wilson's hard comebacker. New York already is missing injured starters Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez, so if Trachsel is sidelined as well the Mets might have to turn to long reliever Darren Oliver for a spot start late in the NLCS -- perhaps in a potential Game 7.
"That's a possibility," Randolph said. "He's done great things for us this year as a spot guy, obviously a long guy, and he's pitched in short spots for us, too. I love his versatility. We'll wait and see on that."
Oliver, 4-1 with a 3.44 ERA in 45 relief appearances during the regular season, replaced Trachsel on Saturday night and tossed six scoreless innings of three-hit ball.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press
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