Reyes to start the season on the DL

[WebHamster]

Jupiter, FL (Sports Network) - New York Mets second baseman Jose Reyes will begin the season on the disabled list, as he is still nursing a sore right hamstring.

The 20-year-old Reyes is switching from shortstop to second base this season in order to accommodate Japanese import Kaz Matsui, signed by the Mets in the offseason. Though he currently is able to play, Reyes cannot yet run at 100 percent.

Reyes could be activated as early as next weekend, when the Mets face the Expos in Puerto Rico at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

In 69 games in 2003, Reyes batted .307 with five homers and 32 RBI.

It is likely that Ricky Gutierrez will start at second base in Reyes' absence.