Bart Hubbich at the New York Post relays word that Mike Pelfrey has been impressive early in camp. Orlando Hernandez and his struggles to stay healthy may give the young right hander a leg up on the fifth starter role.

With the way Mike Pelfrey is throwing so far (terrific, by all accounts, with good movement his fastball), don’t be surprised if Pelfrey – not El Duque – comes out of spring training as the Mets’ No. 5 starter.

Pelfrey was praised by Mets owner Fred Wilpon during a bullpen session recently who told him he looked more confident and was hitting his spots better than usual.

Pelfrey will make his first Spring Training start against Detroit on Wednesday.

Considering Duque’s durability issues, he might be better off in the bullpen to start the season, while giving Pelfrey the fifth spot. The Mets don’t see Pelfrey as a reliever and if he was to fail to make the rotation, he’d be better off pitching full games in the minors anyway.

Lets hope Pelf has turned the corner. He had an outstanding game in Atlanta last year, thats the kind of performance he needs to display with more frequency.

Filed under: Fred Wilpon, Mike Pelfrey, Orlando Hernandez