POST ST. LUCIE -- Jose Reyes likely will start the season on the disabled list after test results today confirmed the Mets shortstop has a "mild" overactive thyroid.
On a conference call with GM Omar Minaya, the player's agent, Peter Greenberg, said Reyes has been told he'll need 2-8 weeks of rest plus dietary modifications before he can resume baseball activities.
Does that rule out Opening Day for Reyes?
"The reality is it doesn't look good right now," Minaya said. "We would have to prepare for that [scenario]."
Reyes may have exacerbated matters by exercising Monday and Tuesday while Mets physicians were preparing further tests for him. Greenberg said such physical activity may have raised Reyes' thyroid levels.
Reyes will be tested at least once a week, Minaya said, until his thyroid level is within the normal range. Medication is not an option. Reyes is prohibited from eating seafood, which is rich in Iodine, as part of his new dietary restrictions.
“There is no medication for this,” Minaya said.
Reyes has been told that once his thyroid levels fall within the normal range, through rest and dietary modifications, there is little chance he will have a recurrence.
"We view this as good news," Greenberg said. "We're disappointed it will be a matter of weeks as opposed to days, but it's curable."
Minaya said Ruben Tejada is the front runner to start at shortstop on Opening Day. Alex cora is the other option.
Reyes and the team did not seem to agree on his diagnosis earlier this week, but Greenberg admitted he and Reyes spoke too soon.
The Mets' statement today said, "additional blood tests confirmed that Jose Reyes's thyroid hormone blood levels are elevated and he is hyperthyroid."
Reyes missed most of last season with a leg injury.
"He's probably in the best condition of his career right now," Greenberg said. "Hopefully that will help get him back."
Center fielder Carlos Beltran already is expected to miss the first month of the season following right knee surgery Jan. 13.
With AP
MIKE PUMA Mike Puma became Mets beat writer for The Post in February 2010 after three years as a general assignment baseball reporter. The Fordham alumnus began covering Major League Baseball, concentrating on the Yankees and Mets, in 1998 as a reporter and columnist for the Connecticut Post. He has covered nine World Series and holds a Hall of Fame vote.
DAN MARTIN Dan Martin has been with The Post's sports department since 1996. He has covered high school and college sports, as well as the NHL, the NBA, the NFL and Major League Baseball.
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