Shortstop Jose Reyes is likely to open the season on the disabled list after tests conducted at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan revealed continued hyperactivity in the infielder's thyroid gland.

Reyes will be prohibited from any physical exertion until his thyroid activity normalizes. That could take between two and eight weeks, agent Peter Greenberg said. Reyes, who will remain in New York, will be tested weekly. He's been told to avoid seafood.

The loss is a devastating blow to the Mets. The team already is without center fielder Carlos Beltran potentially until mid-May after he underwent right knee surgery in January. Manager Jerry Manuel hoped to use Reyes in the No.

John Lackey is off to a nice start with the Red Sox. The right-hander threw three shutout innings in Boston's 8-2 victory over Jason Bay and the New York Mets on Thursday. Lackey allowed three hits and has yet to allow a run in five innings over two outings this spring. The former Angels star joined the Red Sox in December when he finalized an $82.5 million, five-year contract.

All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes has been told to rest and refrain from athletic activity for 2-to-8 weeks until his thyroid levels normalize, another blow to the New York Mets before opening day. Center fielder Carlos Beltran already is expected to miss the first month of the season following right knee surgery Jan.

Derek Lowe could only stare at his foot in disbelief. Longtime Braves manager Bobby Cox said he had never seen anything like it. Lowe was hampered Wednesday by a blister on his right foot, forcing him out of Atlanta's 7-6 victory over the New York Mets after just one inning. Lowe said the recurring blister on his push-off foot popped with Daniel Murphy at the plate, after he had faced two...

Johan Santana struggled in his first game since August, allowing four runs on six hits in 1 2-3 innings, and the Houston Astros beat the New York Mets 8-4 on Tuesday. Kaz Matsui hit a solo homer for the first of four straight hits in the first inning off Santana, who struck out one and walked one. The left-hander made it through the short outing with no setbacks as he continues to build strength...

John Maine struck out the final batter he faced, which made it easier to leave the game in the middle of an inning. Maine threw 1 2-3 innings in his spring debut Monday, finishing with four strikeouts in the New York Mets' 11-2 victory over a Florida Marlins split-squad. "I was pleased," said Maine, who allowed one run, two hits and one walk.

Oliver Perez threw strikes, and that was enough for the New York Mets for now. Perez was hit hard in his first spring start, but Omir Santos' inside-the-park grand slam helped the Mets beat the Washington Nationals 6-5 on Sunday. The Mets are looking for a big year from Perez, who finished last season on the disabled list after undergoing right knee surgery September 1.