Mets' Huskey Placed On 15-Day DL

New York Mets outfielder Butch Huskey, who enjoyed a breakout season in 1997 but has struggled much of this season, was placed on the disabled list Monday with a strained left hamstring suffered in a 9-3 victory over Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.

Huskey, who earlier in the game hit his 12th homer, suffered the injury trying to beat out an infield chopper in the fifth inning. After crossing the bag, the 244-pound right fielder pulled up lame and collapsed on the outfield grass. It is the first trip to the disabled list in Huskey's three-year career.

The injury could not come at a worse time for the Mets and Huskey. New York is locked in a tight battle with the Chicago Cubs for the wild-card playoff spot while Huskey is finally coming around after a very slow start.

In his last 26 games, Huskey is batting .302 (26-for-86) with 14 RBI. Overall, the 26 year old is hitting .254 with 17 doubles and 56 RBI, third-best on the team.

Huskey established himself with a strong season last year, batting .287 with 24 home runs, 81 RBI and eight stolen bases in 471 at-bats.

To replace Huskey, the Mets recalled catcher Todd Pratt from Norfolk of the International League. In 24 games with New York this season, Pratt is batting .313 with two homers and 15 RBI.

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