Pagan's condition no laughing matter

PHILADELPHIA -- As it turns out, Angel Pagan's abrupt exit from Monday's game was more than just a case of bathroom humor.

Pagan didn't elaborate after the Mets' 10-0 loss to the Phillies, but the centerfielder revealed before Tuesday night's game that it had to do with a chronic condition, and he's battled colitis since 2004.

"It's no joke," Pagan said. "It's something that's going to be with me for the rest of my life."

Back in 2007, with the Cubs, Pagan's season was cut short by colitis, and he takes medication, along with monitoring his diet, to combat the condition, which affects the colon.

On Monday, Pagan was nowhere to be found when it was his turn to hit in the fifth inning. During Nick Evans' at-bat, the Mets had no one in the on-deck circle.

Pagan was using the clubhouse bathroom, but eventually hustled to the plate, where he then swung at the first pitch and grounded out. Collins then replaced him with Jason Pridie.

"It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it's an emergency," Collins said. "The issue was, as I told him [Monday] night, you've got to somehow get me the message. I know you didn't have time to stop and have a conversation, but just say, I feel terrible, and I'll get somebody in there for you, as opposed to making me look like I don't know what the hell is going on, which I didn't, by the way."

Extra bases

Jose Reyes ran the bases again Tuesday and is expected to begin his rehab assignment Thursday. The plan is for him to play three games, rest Sunday, then rejoin the Mets for Monday's doubleheader against the Marlins -- but play in only one game. "If I run him out there for 18 innings, I could be opening my equipment bag and packing," Collins said. The manager also indicated that he could occasionally use Ruben Tejada at second base when Reyes does return . . . Johan Santana threw a 45-pitch bullpen session in Port St. Lucie but the Mets are unsure when he will resume his rehab assignment.