Notebook: Mets check out Batista, Cruz

The New York Mets have scouted the starts by Miguel Batista and Juan Cruz the last two days amid reports they were looking for more pitching for the stretch run, and the teams have had preliminary conversations about a possible deadline trade.

The Diamondbacks do not want to lose a member of their starting rotation — Batista is their No. 2 starter, Cruz their No. 5 — without getting a replacement, however, and also do not want to take on additional salary.

The D-Backs thought they had a deal with the Mets to obtain Scottsdale native Brian Bannister and other prospects for reliever Greg Aquino last winter, but the deal broke down at the last minute.

Bannister, however, has not pitched since April 27 because of a torn right hamstring, and although he is expected to begin rehab soon, it is uncertain when he could return to a major league rotation.

The D-Backs likely would have interest in Mike Pelfrey, the Mets’ first-round draft pick in 2005, but it is unknown if the Mets would trade part of their future for a more proven veteran such as Batista, who will become a free agent this winter.

Pelfrey is 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA in two starts with the Mets after being recalled July 8.

Batista beat Los Angeles 8-0 on Wednesday.

“It’s a business, but I really like it here. I have a house here,’’ Batista said. “I believe this team has a chance to be very, very competitive down the stretch. More than that, you have to see what they (Mets) are going to give up.’’

Two days after Orlando Hernandez threw one of his best games of the season, giving up one run in a 4-3 victory over Pittsburgh on May 22, he was traded to the Mets for closer Jorge Julio.

With Julio’s emergence and a good first showing by rookie Tony Peña, who made his major league debut Tuesday, the D-Backs may be willing to include a reliever from among a stable that includes Aquino, Brandon Lyon and Luis Vizcaino in any deal.

BUCK STOPPED HERE

D-Backs third-round draft choice Dallas Buck met with team medical officials Wednesday and still is mulling a decision to undergo “Tommy John” elbow ligament-replacement surgery.

Buck said he hopes to decide “within a week.’’

The D-Backs seem to be fine with delaying any decision.

“We didn’t draft Dallas for 2007,’’ general manager Josh Byrnes said. “We drafted him for a long, healthy, productive career.’’

Most scouts believe the DBacks got a bargain at $250,000, even if Buck requires surgery, because he was rated a high first-round pick after his 2004 season at Oregon State before arm soreness limited his velocity this season.

Buck’s trip to Chase Field was not his first — he was a safety on the Oregon State football team that beat Notre Dame 38-21 in the Insight Bowl on Dec. 28, 2004.

SHORT HOPS

Along with the D-Backs’ Mike Rizzo, Roy Clark of Atlanta and Mike Ratliff of Minnesota are believed to be candidates for the No. 2 position behind general manager Jim Bowden in the Washington front office. . . .

Conor Jackson returned to the lineup after missing two games with a sore shoulder and was hitless in four at-bats while batting cleanup. . . .

The D-Backs announced after Wednesday’s game that righthander Edgar Gonzalez was to be optioned to Tucson today, with a corresponding move to be announced before the game.