Still, Omar Minaya said after last night's 7-4 win against the Phillies: "I'm hoping that he's not going to go on."

The GM acknowledged there's no obvious call-up. Nick Evans is hitting .098, infielder Andy Green needs surgery after breaking a thumb last night and the Mets really don't need another outfielder such as Fernando Martinez (.260), Jesus Feliciano (.297) or Wily Mo Pena (3-for-8).

Any DL stint could be backdated, since Delgado hasn't played since Sunday. Delgado insisted he has no tear in the hip, just inflammation. He said he would have been willing to pinch-hit Wednesday with the bases loaded and two out in the ninth against Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom if he had been asked, although Manuel reiterated yesterday that Delgado had been unavailable.

Luis Castillo (back spasms) also remained sidelined, but predicted he'd return today.

Asked if Oliver Perez's standing in the rotation was contingent upon a good performance in his start today, Manuel said: "That's strong, but it's a time where we have to really look at that probably differently than we've looked at that before."

The key, the manager said, is to see improvement in terms of velocity and control with Perez, who has a 9.31 ERA, but who limited the Phillies to one run in 26 innings last season.

Omir Santos (1-for-2, RBI) started for the fifth time in six games, although Ramon Castro is expected to start at catcher today. Either way, Brian Schneider's calf injury has delayed his return from the DL, meaning a roster decision isn't imminent.

Responding to the Marlins' intention to complain to MLB about the time it took the Mets to send Santos to the batter's box to pinch-hit Wednesday, Manuel said he was "joking" when he indicated he was trying to ice Lindstrom.

The manager said Santos had ample warning that he might be used. But rather than going from the bullpen to the batter's box through the field, Santos tried navigating a concrete-floored Citi Field corridor in spikes and had to go slowly, according to the manager.

"Believe me, I'm not one to delay Baseball," Manuel said. "It's long enough."

Tim Redding is scheduled to start Tuesday for Buffalo before being activated from the DL. ... Carlos Beltran extended his hitting streak to 13 games. ... Single-game tickets for June-October regular-season games go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Mets.com and by calling (718) 507-TIXX.