Mets Set a Tentative Date of June 1 for Gooden’s Return to the Roster

The New York Mets have set a tentative June 1 target date for the return of pitcher Dwight Gooden, who will be released from a drug treatment program this week.

Met General Manager Frank Cashen believes Gooden could be back early enough to pitch in a three-game series against the Dodgers at Los Angeles June 1-3, the New York Daily News reported.

The News also said Cashen was to begin talks Monday with Commissioner Peter Ueberroth on Gooden’s status, once he returns.

Cashen also reportedly was in contact Saturday with officials at the Smithers Center in New York, where Gooden has undergone treatment since April 2. The minimum length of treatment at the Smithers Center is 28 days.

After Gooden is released, probably on Thursday, he is expected to begin light workouts, then later pitch for the Mets’ Triple-A club at Tidewater.

Met pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre told USA Today that Gooden will begin workouts behind closed doors at Shea Stadium and continue those for about two weeks. Met media relations director Jay Horwitz said the pitcher will not be available for questioning on a day-to-day basis but would hold a news conference when he returns.