The Mets perpetually throw away at-bats on pieces not likely to contribute in 2011. It happened in a small way Tuesday when David Wright was scratched and Mike Hessman rather than, say, Nick Evans was used at third base in his place. And it could happen at second base this weekend with Jose Reyes scheduled to return to the lineup Friday to face Philadelphia’s Roy Halladay.

Asked if Ruben Tejada would see the bulk of the starts at second base once Reyes returns, Manuel indicated not necessarily — saying Luis Hernandez merits time based on his recent performances.

– Adam Rubin, ESPN New York.

This. Evans needs at-bats. Tejada needs at-bats. I’m rooting like hell for Hessman, but he’s not part of the team’s future. To piggyback on my earlier point, Evans could be a homegrown Fernando Tatis type without the million-dollar pricetag. And yet the Mets didn’t want him playing the outfield in the Minors for some strange reason and now are opting to give Hessman more at-bats in the Majors.

This is part of the issue with having a lame-duck manager. Manuel has no impetus to do anything besides win games and better his resume. Even an organizational interim guy might be motivated to take a look toward the future and improve his standing with the club.