Notebook: Pitchers like Citi Field

On his first visit to Citi Field, New York Mets pitcher Mike Pelfrey was happy to see the high outfield wall and 415-foot sign in deep right-center.

He figures the spacious dimensions will look especially appealing when he stands on the mound tonight to throw the first pitch against the San Diego Padres as the Mets open their sparkling new ballpark.

“I might as well just throw the ball down the middle and let them hit it,” Pelfrey said. “They might have to hit it twice just to get it out of there. It’s definitely a big park. It definitely seems that way.”

While the early consensus is that Citi Field will be pitcher-friendly, the Mets figure it will take much of the season to fully assess their new home. The $800 million ballpark with 41,800 seats replaces Shea Stadium, the team’s home since 1964. The Mets played in the old Polo Grounds during their first two seasons, 1962-63.

Hall of Famer Tom Seaver will throw out the first pitch to former New York catcher Mike Piazza, and the Broadway cast of “West Side Story” will perform the national anthem. The Empire State Building will be lit in Mets orange and blue.

Webb goes on DL

Arizona ace Brandon Webb is headed to the 15-day disabled list with tightness in his pitching shoulder.

The Diamondbacks decided to make the move, retroactive to Tuesday, after Webb tested his shoulder by playing catch Sunday morning.

Bucs pull triple play

The Pittsburgh Pirates pulled off their first triple play in 16 years in the eighth inning of their game against the Reds at Cincinnati on Sunday.

With Brandon Phillips on second base, Jay Bruce on first and the Reds leading 2-0, Edwin Encarnacion hit a blooper into short left field that was easily caught by shortstop Jack Wilson.

Phillips, running on the pitch, was around third base and was out when Wilson threw to Freddy Sanchez at second base. Bruce was already at second, and Sanchez threw to first baseman Adam LaRoche to complete the triple play.