TODAY'S GAME

Pirates vs. New York Mets, 1:10 p.m., Shea Stadium. TV: Fox Sports Net. Radio: KDKA-AM (1020) and Pirates Radio Network. RHP Kris Benson (1-0) will be on the mound for the Pirates, RHP Jae Seo (0-1) for the Mets.

NOTEBOOK

Closer Jose Mesa has been perfect so far, getting five saves in five chances and not allowing a base-runner. But the Pirates are still looking for a reliever to step into the set-up role to get the ball from the starter to Mesa. Brian Boehringer was tried first, and Salomon Torres has had mixed success in his place. Even though the Pirates won the game Friday, Torres gave up a home run and has a 7.50 ERA this season. "It's a concern. We have to find somebody to get the ball to Mesa with a two- or three-run lead. We need somebody to step up and do that," bullpen coach Bruce Tanner said. "Mesa's going to give up a run here and there. It'd be nice to give him a cushion." Outside of Mesa, who has 253 saves and has moved past Dave Righetti into 21st place on the all-time list, there are no designated roles for the other six relievers. But in the words of manager Lloyd McClendon, they all have the same role -- to throw strikes and retire batters. "The role is when you get the ball, get some outs. Guys say, 'I don't know what my role is so I can't pitch.' That's a bunch of bull. You get the ball, you get outs. That's what you get paid for," McClendon said.

Raul Mondesi made his second consecutive start in right field yesterday after starting the previous nine games in left. While it might be preparation for Jason Bay's pending return, McClendon said he had planned on using Mondesi in right on the road because it's his natural position. "I didn't do it in Chicago and I wish I had. That's where he's most comfortable, and I want to get him back over there as soon as possible," McClendon said. "I'm not sure what we're doing when we get back home. We'll have to wait and see."

No decision has been announced on when Bay, who opened the season on the disabled list, will begin his rehab assignment. But Nashville returns from a road trip tomorrow and plays at home Tuesday, which makes it the likely target. "We haven't worked out all the arrangements yet," general manager Dave Littlefield said. Bay's assignment might not last more than three games because he has been able to hit since the Pirates were in camp. The rehab assignment would allow Bay to get into the routine of warming up his arm every inning, although facing Class AAA pitching also would prepare him for facing major-league pitchers.

Rookie Jose Castillo didn't get a chance to admire his first major-league homer yesterday. He was running all the way when the ball cleared the center-field fence. "It was a good feeling. Hopefully, there will be more to come. The biggest was we got the win," said Castillo, who was able to get the ball back as a memento.

As a way of completing Roberto Clemente's last "at-bat," a flight bearing 16,000 pounds of humanitarian goods to Nicaragua is being arranged by a non-profit group in New York. The announcement was made yesterday in Shea Stadium on the 49th anniversary of Clemente's major-league debut in 1955. The Project Club Clemente Inc. plans to honor Clemente's legacy by delivering the aid to Nicaragua Dec. 31, 2004. Clemente died on that date in 1972. He was aboard a plane that was delivering aid to earthquake victims when it crashed into the sea.

MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT

Friday's results

NASHVILLE (3-6) won, 9-3, at Colorado Springs behind Cory Stewart (1-0), who allowed two runs on eight hits in seven innings. CF Luke Allen had three hits, including a solo homer. SS Chris Truby had two doubles and scored twice. LF Ruben Mateo hit a solo home run, and C J.R. House had two hits and an RBI.

ALTOONA (4-4) lost, 1-0, at Harrisburg. Starter Bobby Bradley pitched six shutout innings, giving up four hits and striking out five without walking a batter. Reliever Jeff Miller (0-1) gave up a run in the eighth. 2B Jeff Keppinger had two hits.

LYNCHBURG (5-3) won, 13-2, at Winston-Salem with DH Brad Eldred driving in 10 runs on four hits, including two home runs. Zach Duke (1-0) pitched into the sixth, allowing one run on four hits. CF Rajai Davis had three hits, including a double, and C Travis Chapman had three hits and an RBI.

HICKORY (4-2) won, 3-1, at Lakewood. Yoann Torrealba (1-0) won in relief of starter Wardell Starling, who pitched a two-hit shutout through four innings. Chris Hernandez got his second save.