NEW YORK – Mets left fielder Jason Bay has been diagnosed with a mild concussion and is out of the lineup for at least a few days.
Bay hurt himself when he crashed into the wall Friday night while making a catch at Dodger Stadium. He played Saturday and Sunday, going 2 for 9 with four strikeouts, and said he felt the effects from the concussion during the trip back to New York.
"I didn't really have the headaches until the flight home," Bay said before Tuesday night's game against St. Louis. Since then, he said, he has felt "dull headaches."
Bay will be re-evaluated over the next 48 to 72 hours. He said he had "no idea" when he will return to the lineup, and said he didn't think the injury was anything major. He said he had no history of concussions.
Bay is hitting .259 with six home runs and 47 RBIs. The Mets, who went 2-9 on their road trip, are still waiting for the All-Star to hit with power in his first season with New York.
Angel Pagan started in left field for the series opener against NL Central-leading St. Louis.
If Bay is OK, he could soon resume baseball activities, Mets manager Jerry Manuel said.
The Mets are sure to be careful with Bay's condition. In 2008, the team drew criticism from how it handled outfielder Ryan Church, who was slowed for much of the season by two concussions.
Bay was injured during Friday night's 6-1 win at Los Angeles. He made a running catch on Jamey Carroll's drive to end the second inning, and his momentum carried him face-first into the bullpen gate. Bay was down on the warning track for a few moments.
Bay later hit a bases-loaded double, then left as a precaution in the bottom of the eighth.
Over the weekend, Bay said he felt sore and stiff but had no problems playing.
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