Blood ailment sidelines Paulino

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Aside from Johan Santana's shoulder surgery and Carlos Beltran's achy knees, the Mets had stayed relatively healthy for most of spring training.

But that changed Saturday when general manager Sandy Alderson announced that catcher Ronny Paulino had been shut down indefinitely because of a worrisome blood test earlier this month. In addition, Jason Bay had to be scratched from Saturday's game against the Braves because of stiffness in his lower back.

Bay's ailment was considered minor, but manager Terry Collins still planned to keep him out of Sunday's game. The problem with Paulino, however, may have more serious ramifications.

Alderson explained that Paulino's blood work, taken as part of his physical, showed irregularities that had to be followed up with more tests Friday. Those results won't be known until early this week, so the team's medical staff advised Paulino to remain sidelined until then.

"I'm pretty worried about his health," Collins said. "Ronny came in later this morning and he's very, very discouraged because he's feeling great. He doesn't feel any symptoms of things.

"We told him his health is first and foremost for us. He's just very disappointed that he can't participate in stuff."

The Mets signed Paulino to a one-year, $1.3-million contract in December even though he still had eight games remaining on a 50-game suspension for using a banned substance. Paulino blamed the failed drug test on a "dietary pill," and Alderson said Saturday that this red flag is not related to that.

"It has nothing to do with any of the other issues," Alderson said. "It just has to do with blood counts and things of that sort."

Alderson didn't provide any additional details of Paulino's symptoms, but it's not unusual for players to submit to follow-up tests after their spring training physicals. Jose Reyes showed symptoms of a hyperactive thyroid last year and had to be shut down for most of March.

Paulino is finding out about this now because visa problems delayed his arrival in Port St. Lucie until March 11. He has played in only seven games, going 3-for-9 with three RBIs. The Mets' biggest concern -- other than his health, obviously -- is getting Paulino adequate time with the pitching staff.

Josh Thole is the starting catcher, and with Paulino having to finish his suspension, Mike Nickeas is likely to open the season as the Mets' backup. Paulino is expected to remain in Port St. Lucie for extended spring games and then possibly play in minor-league games before rejoining the Mets.

As for Bay, he was feeling better later Saturday afternoon and didn't think his back stiffness will be a lingering issue.

Said the leftfielder, "It's one of those things that if it was the regular season, I'd play through it."