WASHINGTON — Jason Bay’s return to the scene will have to wait at least until tonight.
The Mets outfielder was scratched from yesterday’s lineup against the Nationals after vomiting about an hour before the scheduled first pitch.
After the Mets’ 3-1 victory at Nationals Park, Bay said he believes he had an adverse reaction to an antibiotic he has been taking.
Scott Hairston took Bay’s place in left field and went 0-for-3. Bay was activated from the disabled list Wednesday after missing six weeks with a rib fracture but did not play because manager Terry Collins wanted to give him an extra day of rest. Bay has been battling flu-like symptoms in recent days.
With the designated hitter available tonight, Collins could start Bay in that spot and go with his regular outfield of Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Andres Torres and Lucas Duda. But the manager also could try to improve his defense by putting Nieuwenhuis in right and starting Duda at DH.
➤ Omar Quintanilla reported to the ballpark with a sore left index finger, but the shortstop was cleared to play and went 2-for-3. Quintanilla said he injured the finger diving for a ball Wednesday night; X-rays were inconclusive. He is expected to undergo further testing today. Jordany Valdespin and David Wright are the shortstop options behind Quintanilla.
➤ If Jon Rauch (elbow) is placed on the disabled list, Jeremy Hefner could stick in the bullpen. Otherwise, Hefner is expected to depart for Triple-A Buffalo when Chris Young returns from paternity leave in the next couple of days. Rauch, who is resting with “debris” in his elbow, is scheduled to be examined today.
➤ Ronny Cedeno (calf) has done light running, but the Mets are hopeful he will run the bases at full strength within the next two days and then perhaps begin playing minor league rehab games by Sunday or Monday.
➤ The Mets improved to 16-11 against the NL East with yesterday’s victory. They won’t face another division opponent until July 3, when the Phillies come to Citi Field for three games.
