Barring a setback, David Cone will start the season as the No. 4 starter for the New York Mets.
The 40-year-old Cone, who did not pitch in the major leagues last season, likely will start on April 4 against the Montreal Expos at Shea Stadium, team officials said on Thursday.
"It's incredible," Cone told the New York Post. "I was a self-proclaimed longshot coming in, but I think everyone probably gave me even longer odds than that. Almost a no-shot.
"To have this chance right now is tremendously exciting."
With Pedro Astacio sidelined, Tom Glavine, Al Leiter and Steve Trachsel will start the first three games for the Mets. Cone will make an intrasquad start on Sunday and is projected to start game four. He will not be at Shea Stadium for Monday's Opening Day festivities against the Cubs.
It's not official yet, but unless disaster strikes during his intrasquad start, Cone will make his return on the same mound where he established himself as a major leaguer in the late '80s.
The plan is for Cone to throw 75-100 pitches in the intrasquad game. The Mets' only concern about Cone is his stamina -- he's not as stretched out as the other starting pitchers.
"We want him to get through Sunday and we'll make a decision," general manager Steve Phillips told the Post. "We'll make an announcement in advance for fans to buy tickets."
Cone has been terrific in spring training, with the exception of one outing in Mexico City. Cone had a 4.40 ERA this spring, but only allowed one earned run in 12 innings in Florida.
Cone last pitched in the majors in 2001, going 9-7 with a 4.31 ERA in 25 starts for Boston. Cone worked as an analyst for the Yankees' YES network last season and was planning to do so again before making his comeback.
Cone is 193-123 lifetime with a 3.44 ERA. A five-time All-Star, Cone ranks 17th in major league history with 2,655 strikeouts.
Either Mike Bacsik or Jae Seo will serve as the Mets' No. 5 starter until Astacio is ready to return. Once Astacio is back on the mound, Cone will assume the No. 5 role if he is pitching well enough to stay in the rotation.