Mets place 2B Castillo on DL

Jul 3, 2008 - 10:34 PM ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- The New York Mets finally have decided to shut down second baseman Luis Castillo.

Prior to Thursday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Mets placed Castillo on the 15-day disabled list with what they classified as a strained left hip flexor.

While Castillo has been playing through pain for most of the season, he and the team have disagreed about the precise nature of the injury. Castillo claims he has a strained left quadriceps while also battling soreness in both knees.

In 68 games, Castillo is hitting .261 with three home runs, 26 RBI and 13 stolen bases.

To take his place on the roster, the Mets purchased the contract of infielder Argenis Reyes, 25, from Class AAA New Orleans.

Reyes batted .290 with 22 RBI in 79 games for the Zephyrs. He was signed by the Mets in the offseason after spending the first seven years of his professional career in the Cleveland Indians' organization.

The Mets also recalled outfielder Chris Aquila from New Orleans and optioned righthander Carlos Muniz to the Zephyrs.