Lastings Milledge Escapes from Mets Doghouse

Top Mets prospect Lastings Milledge -- in the doghouse after committing a number of gaffs earlier this season -- will return to action soon after the All-Star break, maybe even sooner.

Milledge had earned the enmity not only of the front office but his teammates after recording a misogynistic rap song in addition to committing other no-no's, but finds himself back in good graces now because four of the team's outfielders are on the disabled list and he is needed.

General manager Omar Minaya dodged a bullet by not trading him, as had been contemplated.

Milledge had played only three games with New York this year before being sent down to Triple A New Orleans, where he promptly strained ligaments in his right foot and was forced to sit out for two months.

But doctors believe Milledge is ready to return to the field now, and the Mets are only too happy to have him if he can stay out of trouble. Milledge has already begun a rehabilitative assignment with Double A Binghamton, going 2-5 with a home run in his first outing.