Dillon Gee, who has not started a game since April 23, may get a chance this weekend against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets are mulling giving Sunday's start to Gee rather than the originally scheduled R.A. Dickey, according to an organization source.

There would be multiple reasons:

• The Mets value Gee's contribution in the bullpen, but also don't want his endurance to be lost and him to be unable to step in as a starting pitcher later if a need arises.

• The rotation as a whole might benefit from extra rest, particularly Chris Young and Chris Capuano.

• Ronny Paulino -- who crushes southpaws -- could start Sunday's game against left-hander Clayton Kershaw without having to worry about catching Dickey's unfamiliar knuckleball. Paulino caught Dickey's bullpen session before Friday's series opener. And while Terry Collins heard it went well, one witness described it as less than perfect.