Carlos Delgado acknowledged that he may be forced to the disabled list later this week if his right hip inflammation doesn't calm down quickly.
Delgado, who was replaced at first base Monday against the Braves by Fernando Tatis, missed five starts two weeks ago when hip impingement-related discomfort surfaced. He had received an injection of anti-inflammatory medication at that time, but that didn't prevent the symptoms from returning. The Mets' seven-game winning streak, which was snapped Monday by the Braves, coincided with Delgado's return from his first hip-related absence.
Doctors originally advised that a prolonged absence, such as a trip to the DL, wouldn't remedy the problem. But Delgado suggested it may be smarter to go on the DL if the trouble persists, since it's foolish to have cycles of playing for a few days and then have the hip discomfort flare up.
"We want to see how it is tomorrow, the next day," Delgado said. "I don't want to get ahead of myself."
Said manager Jerry Manuel: "It's something we are concerned about. There's no doubt about that."
BRAVES 8, METS 3: Johan Santana was charged with a loss for the second time this season in a game in which he allowed no earned runs. Shortstop Jose Reyes' error in the seventh led to four unearned runs as the Braves snapped the Mets' seven-game winning streak. The Mets fell to 4-3 in games started by Santana despite his 0.78 ERA.
