Seaver Allows 7 Runs in Exhibition Game

NORFOLK, Va. — Tom Seaver, pitching for the first time since rejoining New York, was hit hard Thursday night during an exhibition game against the Mets’ triple-A Tidewater team, setting back his scheduled return to the major leagues.

Seaver gave up seven runs, six earned, on nine hits in 2 innings. After the game, Seaver and Mets Manager Davey Johnson agreed the three-time Cy Young winner’s planned start against Philadelphia on June 20 would be pushed back about a week.

Mets right fielder Darryl Strawberry, who was benched for the past two games and fined $250 by Johnson for showing up late Tuesday, started for the Mets and played the entire seven-inning game. Strawberry, who had threatened to boycott the game, went 0 for 3.