But, after 5 1/2 innings and only one Cardinals hit, the game was called due to rain, and Reyes dropped to 0-10.
Overall, Reyes, who was blanked for the second time in a row, lost for the 12th consecutive time in the regular season over two seasons. That tied a franchise record set in the late 1890s.
Whether Reyes will get another chance to start is uncertain. Right-hander Braden Looper, who has had a strained right shoulder, is expected to come off the disabled list Sunday in Cincinnati. Right-hander Brad Thompson will come out of the bullpen to resume his spot in the rotation Friday.
And right-hander Chris Carpenter, the staff ace who threw 34 pitches Wednesday in a simulated game in Florida, should be back in a couple of weeks.
So, Reyes and right-handers Kip Wells and Todd Wellemeyer all are uncertain of future starting opportunities.
"(Reyes) definitely pitched better than we hit," manager Tony La Russa said. "We made a lot of soft outs.
"He's pitched better than his record. He's pitched better than we've hit for him a number of times. It's difficult to explain. It's difficult to accept. He deserves better."
METS 2, CARDINALS 0 (5 1/2 innings): The Cardinals fell 10 1/2 games -- the most this season -- behind division-leading Milwaukee after a rain-shortened loss at Shea Stadium.
They had only one hit, an infield single by Scott Rolen in the second inning. The only other runners against Mets lefty Tom Glavine, who gained win No. 297, were Aaron Miles and Albert Pujols, who walked, but Pujols was thrown out stealing to end the first inning.