Santana (3-2, 3.12 ERA) signed a $137.5 million, six-year contract after he was acquired from Minnesota for four prospects this winter, but struggled through his first start at Shea for the Mets (13-11). The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner gave up five runs and six hits with seven strikeouts, but also served up a season-high three homers in a 5-3 loss to Milwaukee on April 12. He was pulled after the last homer and was booed on the way to the dugout.

Santana rebounded from that lackluster outing by winning his next two starts - both on the road. The three-time All-Star was terrific in his last start on Wednesday, allowing two runs and seven hits - none after the fourth inning - with four strikeouts in seven innings of a 7-2 win at Washington.

The Pirates, coming off Sunday's 5-1 victory over Philadelphia that halted a three-game slide, give the ball to Ian Snell (2-1, 4.45), who would like to get off to a strong start.

The right-hander gave up four runs - all in the first inning - and eight hits in six innings before Pittsburgh rallied for a 7-4 win over St. Louis on Wednesday.

Left fielder Moises Alou will return to New York on Monday for an MRI on his sore left ankle.

A CT scan last Friday "showed something," general manager Omar Minaya said, which he admitted "could potentially be a slight fracture."

Alou is currently on the disabled list recovering from hernia surgery. He had been progressing well until he experienced soreness in his ankle.

"He was pretty close to playing," Minaya said.

Minaya said Alou was not injured on a particular play, but started complaining of soreness and swelling.

METS 6, BRAVES 3: The Mets' awakening offense backed Nelson Figueroa with three homers, including two from Carlos Delgado, to beat the Braves and win two of three in the weekend series.

The Mets have scored as many as five runs in just three of their last nine games, but beat Tim Hudson and John Smoltz the last two contests.

The Mets hope it was a breakout game for Delgado, who had solo homers in the third and sixth innings. The two homers give him 434 for his career to tie him with Juan Gonzalez for 36th on the all-time list.

--OF Moises Alou will have his sore left ankle examined by Mets' team physicians. A CT scan last Friday showed something, and GM Omar Minaya admitted it "could potentially be a slight fracture." Alou is currently on the disabled list recovering from hernia surgery.

--C Brian Schneider remained in the hospital another day and is expected to be released Monday. Schneider has been getting antibiotic IV treatment for an infection of his left thumb. As of now, Schneider will not have to have the area lanced, said GM Omar Minaya.

--LHP Johan Santana (3-2, 3.12) will make his sixth start of the season Monday night against Pittsburgh. Santana is 1-0 in two career appearances against the Pirates.

--RHP Orlando Hernandez still has another week to go with a support boot on his right foot. Hernandez will be re-examined next week. Hernandez has been unable to find a comfortable delivery because a painful bunion on his right foot causes him to lose balance.

--1B Carlos Delgado homered twice Sunday after a 3-for-34 slide. "Hopefully, this will be a start for him," manager Willie Randolph said.

BY THE NUMBERS: 11 -- Home runs allowed by the Mets' overworked bullpen, including three grand slams. Jorge Sosa has given up two slams and Aaron Heilman one.