METS

With Carlos Delgado on the disabled list for at least 10weeks following hip surgery, the Mets have to decide who's going to play first base. General manager Omar Minaya tamped down speculation about a trade. "If you were to acquire [Aubrey Huff, Nick Johnson or Mark DeRosa], what happens when Delgado gets back?" he asked rhetorically. For now, the options appear to be Daniel Murphy or Fernando Tatis. The Mets said this week that Murphy, who had a series of misadventures in left, is no longer considered an outfielder. Which means he'll have to earn playing time at first to get into the lineup. Jerry Manuel, looking for a silver lining, said this might allow third baseman David Wright to assume more of a leadership role. "That's just protocol, a pecking-order type of thing," the manager said. "I never thought about that but maybe David is getting ready to evolve into [what] we all thought he could be but, because of [Delgado's] presence, wasn't really available."

NATIONALS

In case anybody needs a reminder that pitching and defense win baseball games, look no further than Washington. The Nats have one of the best offenses in the league. They had a streak of scoring at least five runs in 10 straight games this month. They won one of them. They have a losing record (6-10) when scoring six or more. With Scott Olsen on the DL and Daniel Cabrera banished to the bullpen, the rotation now consists of four rookies (Craig Stammen, Ross Detwiler, Jordan Zimmermann, Shairon Martis) and one pitcher who started the season with just over a year of big-league service (John Lannan). Washington also leads the world in errors, 43. Yikes.

BRAVES

The Braves are confident that ace righthander Tim Hudson, coming off Tommy John elbow surgery, is progressing so well in his rehabilitation that he should be ready to return to the rotation by August. And he said he'd be willing to go to the bullpen if that's what's best for the team. "I hope all five guys are pitching lights-out," he said. "If I come out of the 'pen — that's where I'm needed — that's fine."

MARLINS

Florida has lost 13 games after having a lead. Said catcher John Baker: "I don't know if we get too comfortable with the lead on the pitching side and the hitting side. But we need to come back."

— Paul Hagen