The Mets placed Ramon Castro on the 15-day disabled list this afternoon because of lower back arthritis, retroactive to Aug. 13, and now have the Zephyrs' catching combo of Mike DiFelice and Sandy Alomar Jr. on the roster.
Castro said he felt worse running on Friday and the condition has not improved much.
"It was the right decision," Castro said. "When I run, I feel it. I can hit, but it's not me."
Even Alomar, who arrived today from New Orleans, was a little banged up recently. He missed a few games earlier this month because of bruised ribs from a collision at the plate in Fresno.The Mets also flew Alomar to Pittsburgh earlier in the week, but sent him back when they were optimistic about Castro.
Carlos Delgado is sitting again -- probably more to give Damion Easley another crack at a lefthander than because of any concern over his hyperextended left knee. Delgado is on the field right now playing catch and is expected to take batting practice. He is likely to return to the lineup tomorrow.
Here's the nine the Mets are sending out to face the Pride of Long Beach, John Lannan.
Reyes .......... SS
Castillo ......... 2B
Wright .......... 3B
Beltran .......... CF
Alou .............. LF
Easley .......... 1B
Milledge ........ RF
DiFelice ........ C
Perez ........... LHP