Wagner available for Mets after shoulder improves

Billy Wagner was available to pitch for the New York Mets on Wednesday night against Philadelphia after missing the previous game with a sore left shoulder.

Without the All-Star closer, New York's makeshift bullpen blew a three-run lead in the ninth inning Tuesday night and lost 8-6 to the Phillies. The defeat cost the Mets a chance to take over sole possession of first place in the NL East.

Wagner played long toss from about 250 feet and threw off a bullpen mound before Wednesday night's game to test his shoulder.

"I'm going tonight," he said about 75 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. "Give you all something to write about."

Wagner felt tightness in his pitching shoulder while warming up Sunday in Cincinnati. Mets manager Jerry Manuel and a trainer started out of the dugout to check on Wagner during the 10th inning, but he waved them off and struck out the side for his 24th save in 30 chances.

The left-hander was examined Monday and had an MRI exam Tuesday morning at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Tests showed he had muscle spasms around the shoulder joint, and Wagner said the Mets' medical staff advised him to sit out Tuesday night's series opener against Philadelphia.

"I woke up this morning and it felt better," he said Wednesday. "Just go out there and see how it goes."

Wagner, who turns 37 on Friday, said doctors told him the problem in his shoulder was simply a result of throwing hard his entire career.

The reliever also took exception Wednesday to a newspaper column that indicated Wagner chose not to pitch Tuesday night, then said he had second thoughts after watching his teammates get tagged in the ninth by Philadelphia.

"I can't even get hurt without being thrown under the bus," Wagner said, drawing laughs from reporters.

Then, in a serious tone, he added that he would demand an apology from the columnist in front of the entire team.

"I know I didn't say that," Wagner insisted.