THE METS had a cosmically and comically bad stretch of luck in the injury department this past week.

Franchise shortstop Jose Reyes suffered a setback in his hamstring rehab and was flown to New York for an MRI exam that revealed “significant scar tissue” near his right knee. Luis Castillo booked a bed in the crowded recovery ward by spraining his left ankle in a pratfall down the dugout stairs. Top pitching prospect Jonathon Niese tore a hamstring tendon covering first base during the Mets’ game.

It’s about time to cut fantasy (non-keeper) ties with Reyes — dazzlingly quick on his feet, dreadfully slow on his heals — and the rest of the Amazin’s sidelined contingent, including Carlos Beltran (right knee), Carlos Delgado (right hip) and right-hander John Maine (shoulder).

Even if they defy the team’s convention and get healthy ahead of schedule, there’s a good chance the sub-.500 Mets will

send them home for the winter anyway. So cut ’em, trade ’em, do what you have to do to have a fully functioning roster down the stretch.

What about other injured stars around the bigs? Check it out:

✔ Jake Peavy, White Sox

Don’t pass on the chance to add an ace-quality arm throwing meaningful games in September.

✘ Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox

Now disregard above. Return is dicey at best for Boston’s $100 million No. 3 starter.

✔ Torii Hunter, Angels

Comeback from adductor muscle (groin) strain appears a couple of weeks away, but power-speed guys don’t grow on trees. That goes for the Rangers’ Ian Kinsler as well.

✔ Lance Berkman, Astros

Coming back from a calf strain sooner than later, plus he has a career .300 average and .550 slugging after August.

✘ Erik Bedard, Mariners

Has an advanced degree from the Citi Field School of Improbably Delayed Absences.

✘ Jay Bruce, Reds

His value pre-wrist fracture was in his power, which has to be diminished by an achy joint in a cold Ohio autumn.

jlehman@nypost.com