Outfielder Lastings Milledge will be recalled from AAA New Orleans and start in left field tonight against the Cincinnati Reds. Milledge has been sidelined most of the season with a sprained ligament in his right foot.

Milledge, the Mets top offensive prospect, has made more headlines this season for his annual trade rumors and his aspiring rap career than his five tools. In limited time last season, Milledge hit .241 with 4 home runs and 22 RBI in 166 at bats. While the average appears low, Milledge was a 21 year old rookie and he showed signs of what all the hype surrounding him is really about.

Milledge’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. With Carlos Gomez being placed on the disabled list shortly before the All-Star break, joining Endy Chavez, and the eternally injured Moises Alou, it’s pretty obvious there’s an outfield shortage in Flushing (does any Mets fan want to see David Newhan patrolling left field daily?). Milledge will assume the every day left fielder role until Alou or Chavez can return.