Bay (sore quad) sits out finale of Indians series

CLEVELAND - Jason Bay fought the good fight with Jerry Manuel. Bay lost. So he sat out last night's series finale with the Indians because of a sore left quadriceps, suffered in the second inning of Wednesday's 8-4 win when his leg collided with Indians first baseman Andy Marte's rear end.

"You guys told me it was going to be a losing battle," Bay said to reporters before the game. "It makes sense. It's not life or death. We'll just give it a day."

Bay was available to pinch hit or play the field, and both he and Manuel were sure Bay will be ready to start Friday night in the Bronx against the Yankees.

There was some talk that Bay could be the designated hitter last night, but that was quickly dismissed.

"I actually think that could have been worse," Bay said. "Just sitting around for 45 minutes, sprinting around, then sitting down again probably wasn't going to be good."

Mejia's surprise migraine

Jenrry Mejia could be seen walking off the mound Wednesday night talking to himself a bit. He had walked the only two batters he faced in the eighth inning. But he wasn't upset that Manuel took him out; Mejia had a migraine that affected him even before he entered the game.

"It just happened. I couldn't really throw strikes," Mejia said. "Sometimes I feel pretty bad. Today, I feel great."

Manuel said Mejia had never complained of migraines before, so the manager didn't think it would be a problem Wednesday night. But he was quick to pull Mejia after the two walks.

Castillo not close

General manager Omar Minaya said Luis Castillo (foot), who is eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday, is still a ways away from being ready to return. Castillo is hitting and fielding in Port St. Lucie, Fla., but not doing any running.

"We don't expect to activate him," Minaya said.

Beltran, Perez working

Also in Florida, Carlos Beltran (knee) played five innings in centerfield in a simulated game and had nine at-bats, and Oliver Perez (knee) is doing bullpen work.