Tune into MLB Radio @ Noon ET today to listen to top Mets prospects Mike Pelfrey and Philip Humber.

The New York Daily News reports that the Mets intend for 2005 first-round pick Mike Pelfrey to join the big-league team within a day or two. He has been dealing with back issues.

Omar Minaya said it would be difficult for Pelfrey to get a
start by season's end, however. “Right now we've got so many starters,
he's not going to be at the top of the list of guys,” Minaya said.

The Mets are set to make a number of call ups today, and most notable of those is Philip Humber, the Mets 2004 first round draft pick.

Dave Williams was also recalled and will start tonight. Brian Bannister, Lastings Milledge, Ricky Ledee, and Kelly Stinnett were called up as well.

Mike Pelfrey is headed to St.
Lucie where he will be treated for a minor back problem.

Mike Pelfrey, Phil Humber and Deolis Guerra all made it on to Baseball Prospectus' Future Shock list of the top 20 right handed pitching prospects in baseball…

7. Mike Pelfrey, Mets

Age: 22.6 H/9: 7.57 BB/9: 3.08 K/9:
10.18

The most well-paid pitcher in the 2005 draft, Pelfrey signed too
late to make his debut last year, but he reached the big leagues this season
after just 88 pro innings. At 6-foot-7, Pelfrey gets a strong downward plane
on a sinking 92-95 mph fastball that has touched 98, and he commands the pitch
well when many young and tall pitching prospects struggle to find a consistent
release point. For anyone who saw his four big league starts, in which he had
a 5.48 ERA and a sub-standard 13/12 K/BB ratio in 21.1 innings, Pelfrey's
issues were clear. While the fastball is plus-plus, both his curveball and
changeup are no more than average, and he lost confidence in the pitches,
learning a difficult lesson about the need for a three-pitch arsenal. He's
expected to get another look in September as the Mets put things into cruise
control, so we'll see if he's made any adjustments. The secondary pitches
don't have to be great, but he will need them to keep hitters on
their toes.

14. Phil Humber, Mets

Age: 23.7 H/9: 6.99 BB/9: 2.52 K/9:
9.65

Another one of those pitchers who had Tommy John surgery,
returned quicker than expected and has looked as good as he ever did, if not
better. Pitching very well in Double-A, both he and Pelfrey will compete for
Opening Day rotation slots in 2007.

19. Deolis Guerra, Mets

Age: 17.4 H/9: 6.75 BB/9: 4.39 K/9:
7.18

His ratios aren't great, but this is a guy born in 1989
(feel old yet?) who is already in the Florida State League and holding his
own. Sitting at 89-91 mph with plenty of projection thanks to a 6-foot-5, 200
pound frame, Guerra's changeup is already a solid offering and his curveball
has made great strides. The Mets need to slow down his development, but his
ceiling is sky high.

Mike Pelfrey returned from a strained right lat muscle Saturday for Class AAA
Norfolk. He was on a strict pitch count and allowed one hit in
three scoreless innings against Richmond.

Mack's Mets posts an interesting article of minor leaguers who might have worn out their welcome in the Mets system and might be clogging up the system. Mack gives a list of players who might be good candidates for a flushing to make room for new talent.

Mack also makes a great observation that, although the Mets seemed to have some issues right now with their starting pitching, soon they could have a surplus of young major league ready arms.

From Mets.com

Mets Blog reports Mike Pelfrey has landed on the disabled list with a strained right lat muscle.

Mike Pelfrey's return to AAA Norfolk was a piece of cake. Mike allowed two earned runs on three hits
and two walks in five innings in Norfolk's 6-2 win at Buffalo. He struck out three, required 90 pitches, and
surrendered a homer to Jason Cooper.

Henry Owens blew his first save. He had gone 18-18.

Adam Rubin reports to us from his Daily News Blog that it's a good weekend to check out the Tides if you're near Buffalo.

Oliver Perez starts Friday, followed by Brian Bannister on Saturday and
possibly Mike Pelfrey on Sunday.

Check out the Tides website for more information, as they take on the Buffalo Bison.

Mets Blog is reporting, by way of Adam Rubin's Daily News blog, that the Mets have demoted Mike Pelfrey to the minor-leagues.

The Mets have promoted LHP Royce Ring to the Mets from Norfolk…

From Gotham Baseball…

At least it hasn't yet, according to one baseball source that GBM spoke with on Wednesday.

“(Minaya)
is keeping all of his options open,” he said. “(But) I still think he
wants Zito (more) than anyone else he's looked at.

Back
at the Winter Meetings, an industry source had informed GBM that a list
of players — some already on the Mets' roster, some not – had been
given to Minaya from Oakland, either before or during the event, with
instructions that “if you get those players we'll talk.

Manager Willie Randolph said the Mets' plan is to use
all six starters over the next six games and weed out one based on how
they do, reports the New York Post.

Here's how the rotation with shape out over the next few days…

Tuesday, July 24th - Tom Glavine vs. Cubs
Wednesday, July 25th - John Maine vs. Cubs
Thursday, July 26th - Off Day
Friday, July 27th - Pedro Martinez @ Braves
Saturday, July 28th - El Duque @ Braves
Sunday, July 29th - Mike Pelfrey @ Braves

According to Randolph, whoever doesn't stay in the rotation out of
Pelfrey, Maine and even El Duque could end up in the bullpen.