=== New York Mets Team Report - July 30 ===

(My Sportsbook) - The Mets will attempt to halt their four-game skid this evening, when they take on the Milwaukee Brewers in the third of their four- contest set at Shea Stadium.

New York has lost six of seven and is just 3-10 since the All-Star break. The Mets' woes continued on Tuesday, as they fell 6-3 at the hands of the Brewers. Over their last four contests, New York has been outscored, 26-13.

The Mets had to deal with the loss of starting pitcher Tom Glavine early in this contest due to a strained ribcage muscle. He was injured while throwing a pitch during a scoreless first inning.

Glavine was able to complete the frame, but did not come out to start the second. Dan Wheeler (0-1) came in to replace the two-time National League Cy Young winner and was saddled with the loss after giving up four runs in four innings.

Ty Wigginton finished 3-for-4 with two runs batted in for the Mets in the losing effort. Wigginton is now 8-for-9 against Sheets this season.

New York continued its fire sale Tuesday by trading shortstop Rey Sanchez to the Seattle Mariners for minor league outfielder Kenny Kelly. Seattle also agreed to pay a portion of Sanchez' remaining 2003 salary.

The Mets will send veteran lefthander Al Leiter to the mound tonight. Leiter is coming off his best start in two months, as he limited Cincinnati to six hits over seven scoreless frames. The southpaw fanned five and walked two in the winning effort. Leiter has won three of his last five decisions overall.

Leiter has been outstanding against the Brewers in his career, tallying a 9-2 record with a 3.80 ERA. The lefty has allowed 76 hits and 36 earned runs over 85 1/3 innings of action versus Milwaukee.

New York has lost five of the seven matchups this season after winning five of six a season ago. The Mets have also lost all four matchups in Flushing. However, New York is 30-14 against the Brewers all-time, including 16-7 at Shea Stadium. The Mets have lost four straight at Shea Stadium to Milwaukee for the first time in franchise history.