Cliff Lee will have to keep waiting for a hearing on his appeal of a five-game suspension.

The Mariners' co-ace said yesterday that a hearing by teleconference with the league that had been scheduled for the morning from Phoenix was postponed because a league official could not make the appointment.

Lee wants to get the issue resolved but says "it's on hold" with no known makeup date.

Lee was fined and suspended by the league for throwing over the head of Arizona's Chris Snyder on March 15. He had collided with Snyder earlier in the game while backing up the plate on a scoring play.

The collision resulted in the strained abdomen that has Lee possibly headed to the disabled list to begin the season.

METS

REYES PRACTICES

Jose Reyes is a step closer to appearing in a game for the first time this spring.

The New York Mets' shortstop took batting practice against minor-league pitchers yesterday morning and says the session went better than expected.

Reyes has participated in six workouts since returning to camp Wednesday, following a three-week absence with a hyperactive thyroid that prevented him from doing any physical activity.

Reyes says he still doesn't know when he will get into a game or if he will be ready for opening day, but he hasn't had any problems since returning.

INDIANS

BRANYAN REHABBING

Russell Branyan is about to take the field in a Cleveland Indians uniform.

Branyan is set to be the designated hitter in a minor league game today. Depending on how he feels after that test, he could play first base tomorrow.

Signed to a one-year, $2 million contract on Feb. 23, the 34-year-old slugger has been sidelined with a herniated disc in his back and will open the season on the disabled list. Rookie Matt LaPorta will play first base when the Indians open against the White Sox in Chicago on April 5.

AND WHAT'S MORE ...

New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira has a bruised right elbow after being hit by a pitch in a game against the Baltimore Orioles yesterday. Teixeira was examined by New York's team doctor and an Orioles orthopedist. X-rays were not taken. ... Third baseman Alberto Callaspo may not be ready for the Kansas City Royals season opener April 5 with Detroit because of an irritation in his right side. ... Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, whose spring training has been delayed by back and neck problems, threw 62 pitches in a simulated game. The right-hander is slated to pitch next in an exhibition game Saturday against the Nationals in Washington.