If Jerry Manuel is out as manager, he could have engaged in some mischievous fun on the way out. Instead, he will pass.

The Mets are planning to use Pat Misch next Tuesday against Milwaukee and in the season finale against Washington at Citi Field, rather than starting Oliver Perez in those games. Using Perez in the spot vacated by injured Jenrry Mejia in Game No. 162 would have been an interesting sendoff/commentary on Manuel's thoughts about his roster. Raul Valdes was the other contender for the two starts.

The Mets can delay until next Tuesday using a fifth starter because there was a team off-day on Monday and is another one on Thursday.

Misch had made four starts for the Mets before being bumped from the rotation for the return of Mejia from Double-A Binghamton. But Mejia is now shut down with a strained muscle by his right shoulder blade.