All-Star CF Carlos Beltran out of Mets’ lineup against Marlins because of stomach virus

CF Beltran out of Mets’ lineup with stomach virus

NEW YORK — Carlos Beltran was out of the New York Mets’ lineup Sunday because of a stomach virus, and fill-in center fielder Angel Pagan left in the fourth inning against Florida with a groin injury.

Pagan pulled up hobbling while pursuing Hanley Ramirez’s one-out double off the left-center fence. He threw the ball back in, then hung his head between his knees as manager Jerry Manuel and trainer Ray Ramirez came out to check on him.

Pagan tried jogging in the outfield, then walked off under his own power. He went for an MRI and was replaced in center by Jeremy Reed.

The Mets said Pagan was day to day with discomfort in his right groin. Manuel, however, expects to be without the switch-hitting outfielder for at least a little while.

“We feel like we have four good outfielders, and if anybody goes down in that group we still have (Fernando) Tatis that can play left or right,” Manuel said. “So we have some versatility out there.”

It was the latest setback for the injury-ravaged Mets, already missing regulars Jose Reyes (right calf), Carlos Delgado (right hip) and Ryan Church (hamstring), plus reserve infielder Alex Cora (thumb).

Reyes was slated to head to the team’s complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Sunday for rehabilitation.

Beltran was lifted late in Saturday’s game against the Marlins because he wasn’t feeling well. The All-Star center fielder was still ailing Sunday, so Pagan started the finale of the three-game series. His two-out RBI double in the third gave New York a 1-0 lead. The Mets held on to win 3-2.

Starting pitcher John Maine apparently caught the bug, too, and lost his lunch during the game. Feeling ill, he was lifted after six shutout innings and 82 pitches.

“I’ve pitched sick before. Not the first time,” Maine said. “I felt OK. A little weak, but overall felt pretty good.”

Beltran began the day second in the NL with a .352 batting average. He had six homers and a team-high 31 RBIs.

Marlins infielder Wes Helms also felt ill and was not in the lineup. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he was to be examined by a doctor.