The New York Mets finally placed Carlos Delgado on the 15-day disabled list yesterday in the first of what may be a series of decisions that could shape their long-term plans for this season.

Angel Pagan was called up from Class AAA Buffalo to take the vacant roster spot. But with surgery for Delgado's right hip a looming possibility -- he's scheduled to meet the team's medical staff tomorrow -- the Mets could be forced to look outside the organization for help.

Manager Jerry Manuel, for one, isn't expecting Delgado back anytime soon.

"That's just the way I see it," Manuel said. "He tried a number of things to get ready, to get some comfort, but could never find it, so I don't anticipate this being a 15-day thing, in my opinion. I could be wrong -- hopefully, I am wrong and go from there."

As the Mets await word on Delgado's prognosis, the plan is to use a trio of backups -- Fernando Tatis, Jeremy Reed and Daniel Murphy -- at first base.

If Delgado were to opt for surgery, it is unclear how much time he would lose. The Mets have described his condition as an "impingement" of the hip, with a slight tear and bone spur.

Chris Carpenter could return to the St. Louis rotation early next week after a rainout forced a reassessment of the rotation. The 2005 NL Cy Young winner has been on the 15-day DL since April 15 with a strained left rib cage muscle.

Los Angeles starter John Lackey was ejected after throwing only two pitches in his season debut. The first pitch thrown by Lackey, activated from the disabled list to start the game, went behind the head of Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler, who homered twice Friday night. The next pitch hit Kinsler in the side.

Closer Frank Francisco was put on the 15-day disabled list, even after completing a bullpen session in which he felt no pain. Francisco hasn't pitched since May 6 because of right biceps tendinitis.