Oh No...not Jose Reyes too! Mets shortstop out!

Jose Reyes won't be resuming his baseball duties anytime soon. Despite the optimistic comments that things weren't so bad, the Mets shortstop's thyroid levels are elevated enough that he must wait to see if rest (that means no activity!) and changes in his diet will regulate his condition BEFORE he can return to play. The estimate now is 2-8 weeks....that could be June! As we sit here right now, NO Jose Reyes and NO Carlos Beltran for the start of the season. Time for a move if you ask me! Omar get on the phone and quick!!! Check out the Mets statement below:

CONFERENCE CALL HELD BEFORE TODAY'S GAME AT 1PM AGAINST THE RED SOX: THE HIGHLIGHTS

*on the call GM Omar Minaya and Reyes' agent Peter Greenberg

*Reyes OUT 2-8 weeks, NO physical activity, nothing that can raise his heart rate
(this is bad. even when he is cleared, he still has to get into shape. He won't be able to maintain AT ALL during this "off time".) Greenberg says Reyes will be "idle" after he gets the all clear to resume activities.

*Secondary tests on thyroid levels showed a spike upward even though controlled activity earlier this week. He will have blood tests each week to check levels

*Treatable and curable. No medication needed. Reyes must watch his diet closely.

*Greenberg: a virus or dietary cause may have triggered the initial thyroid trouble.

*Veteran Alex Cora could be the Mets opening day starting shortstop or even 20-year-old Ruben Tejada.

STATEMENT FROM THIS MORNING:

FLUSHING, N.Y., March 11, 2010 – The additional blood tests confirmed that Jose Reyes's thyroid hormone blood levels are elevated and he is hyperthyroid. Mets Medical Director Dr. David Altchek last night spoke with Jose and his representatives. As prescribed by the doctors and specialists, Jose’s treatment plan is to rest, refrain from athletic activity and make changes in his diet. The doctors will monitor Jose's thyroid levels through regular blood tests. Once Jose’s thyroid levels return to normal, he will be cleared to resume baseball activities.