Quintanilla shrugs off injuries, plays well at short

WASHINGTON -- The Mets were concerned enough about Omar Quintanilla's injured finger that manager Terry Collins waited until just before noon to announce the lineup for Thursday's matinee against the Nationals.

Quintanilla was in the lineup. So was Jason Bay for the first time since his return from the disabled list.

Then, about 25 minutes later, came a new lineup. Bay was scratched after what he thinks was a violent reaction to an antibiotic he is taking for a sinus infection. Scott Hairston started in left.

So Bay still has not appeared in a game since being activated Wednesday. But he said he felt better after the Mets' 3-1 win over the Nationals and should DH Friday night against the Yankees.

Quintanilla injured his left index finger when he was kicked by Kirk Nieuwenhuis while attempting to make a diving catch on a pop fly Wednesday night. Jordany Valdespin, who made two errors in the 10th inning Tuesday night, would have started if Quintanilla had not.

As (bad) luck would have it, Quintanilla was hit by a pitch on the right foot in his first at-bat. But he shook it off and went 2-for-3 with stellar defensive work. Quintanilla said the finger is more troublesome than the foot. He had X-rays of the finger and will have more tests today.

As for the Mets' top two shortstops: Ruben Tejada (quad strain) still was getting checked out in New York by team doctors. Ronny Cedeño (calf) could get into a rehab game Sunday or Monday.

Extra bases

The Mets announced the sale of reprinted tickets from Johan Santana's no-hitter for $50 plus order and shipping fees. The sale starts Monday at 10 a.m. on Mets.com . . . The Mets will have a postgame concert by REO Speedwagon when they return home next Friday against the Reds.

. . . The Mets will have a postgame concert by REO Speedwagon when they return home next Friday against the Reds.