Posted at 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2001

Agbayani stays put with New York Mets

• Previous story: Benny's status should become clear today

Advertiser Staff

Benny is still a Met.

The New York Mets have decided to keep outfielder Benny Agbayani, putting him into the starting lineup of tonight's home game against Milwaukee in Shea Stadium.

The Mets placed Agbayani, 29, a former St. Louis School and Hawai'i Pacific University athlete, on recallable waivers last week.

The San Francisco Giants reportedly claimed him off waivers, meaning that Mets could have pulled him back off waivers or make a trade with the Giants.

The Mets had until gametime today to decide on Agbayani.

Agbayani, who did not play on Saturday and Sunday (the Mets were idle Monday), is hitting .383 in his last 15 games.