Mets Lefty Hisanori Takahashi to Make First Start of the Season Friday

According to ESPN.com writer Adam Rubin, the Mets announced today that Hisanori Takahashi will make his first start of the season, against the Yankees, on Friday.

Takahashi has been stellar coming out of the bullpen this year. The 35-year-old lefty will be making his first start since joining the Mets this off-season.

Takahashi was a solid starter in Japan, posting a career 3.70 ERA and a respectable 79-66 record with the Yomiuri Giants.

Takahashi has a solid line this season: 15 G, 26 IP, 1 HR, 14 BB, 33 SO, 3 W, 1 L, 1 HLD, 1.38 WHIP, 3.12 ERA

Not bad for a guy who never seriously contended for a starting spot this spring.

It seems this was the only logical move for manager Jerry Manuel . Manuel will also need to find a replacement for Oliver Perez , who has struggled mightily this season. John Maine also seems to be on thin ice.

Who does that leave New York with? Pelfrey and Santana?

The Mets needed to address their spotty pitching staff during the off-season. However, outside of Jon Garland, most of the free agents the Mets bid for have struggled this year.

Possible off-season additions:

Ben Sheets: 8 G, 42.2 IP, 6 HR, 22 BB, 32 SO, (2-3), 1.66 WHIP, 5.70 ERA

Jon Garland: 8 G, 48 IP, 3 HR, 25 BB, 27 SO, (4-2), 1.27 WHIP, 1.88 ERA

Brandon Looper: Still in FA

Jarrod Washburn: Retired

Jason Marquis: (currently on DL, expected back around all star break) 3 G, 8.1 IP, 2 HR, 6 BB, 3 SO, (0-3), 2.88 WHIP, 20.52 ERA

John Lackey: 8 G, 50 IP, 5 HR, 21 BB, 31 SO, (4-2), 1.50 WHIP, 4.86 ERA

Joel Pineiro:  8 G, 51 IP, 5 HR, 10 BB, 33 SO, (3-4), 1.31 WHIP, 3.71 ERA

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