Lower back sidelines Mets’ Piazza again

New York Mike Piazza sat out for the third straight game with stiffness in his lower back. He took batting practice and told reporters afterward he was encouraged.

“It definitely feels better,” the catcher said. “Collectively, we (he and manager Bobby Valentine) agreed to give it one more day off.”

Piazza said he hopes to play tonight in Montreal, where the Mets open a two-game series. Piazza said he was prepared to pinch hit Tuesday if he was needed.

Backup catcher Vance Wilson went 2-for-4 with a run scored and threw out a runner trying to steal second.

Trachsel to rejoin Mets

New York Right-hander Steve Trachsel, on the disabled list since July 1 because of a strained right trapezius muscle, is to rejoin the Mets today. Trachsel tossed 523 innings Tuesday in a rehabilitation start for Double-A Binghamton against Altoona. Trachsel allowed three hits, an un-earned run, walked four and struck out five, leaving with a 2-1 lead. He also had two hits.

Mets sign new Alfonzo, finish trade with Expos

New York The New York Mets signed third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo’s nephew to a minor league contract Tuesday.

Edgar Alexander Alfonzo, a 17-year-old left-handed pitcher, will be assigned to Kingsport of the rookie Appalachian League. His father, Edgar Alfonzo, is a hitting coach for the Mets’ Class-A St. Lucie affiliate and Edgardo’s brother.

The Mets also completed an April trade with Montreal by sending right-hander Saul Rivera to the Expos.

New York acquired Scott Strickland and two minor leaguers from Montreal on April 5 for Bruce Chen, Dicky Gonzalez, a minor leaguer and a player to be named, who was Rivera.

Beckett activated; pitcher sent to minors

New York The Florida Marlins activated right-hander Josh Beckett from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday.

Beckett started against the New York Mets, allowing seven runs and five hits in five innings, dropping his record to 2-4.

Beckett had been out since June 5 because of a blister on his right middle finger. It was the second time this season the Marlins’ phenom had been disabled because of a blister.

To make room for Beckett, the Marlins optioned right-hander Blaine Neal to Triple-A Calgary. Neal was 2-0 with a 3.52 ERA in 13 relief appearances.