Beltran, Pagan wish Delgado well

Carlos Beltran had known for almost a month that Carlos Delgado planned to call it quits.

"He tried everything, it just didn't work out for him," the rightfielder said of Delgado, who batted .267 with 104 home runs and 339 RBIs during his four-year stint with the Mets. "Of course, it makes me feel bad for him because he had some goals that he wanted to accomplish and he couldn't do it."

Delgado, who last played for the club in 2009, is expected to announce his retirement Wednesday. He never returned to form after two hip surgeries within 10 months.

Angel Pagan, who trained in the offseason with Delgado, had hoped to see his friend become the first Puerto Rican to hit 500 home runs.

"I told him, as a fan, I just wanted the best for him and whatever decision he takes, I will respect it and I will be there for him," Pagan said.

Dickey nails it

R.A. Dickey, whose last start was disrupted by a split nail on his right index finger, said "all is well" and that the point of contact for his baseball has grown back. Dickey is scheduled to start Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader.

Extra bases

Jonathon Niese is scheduled to pitch Wednesday and Chris Capuano is slated for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader. Because Niese would be on short rest for his Sunday start against Atlanta, Dillon Gee could get the call . . . Only tickets marked "April 14 -- Game 7" will be honored for the 12:10 p.m. game and makeup game to follow.

With Tom Rock