PORT ST. LUCIE —- The Mets have two more health issues to monitor.
Jason Bay was absent from today’s lineup because of stiffness in his back, and catcher Ronny Paulino will be removed from workouts for at least a few days because the results of a recent blood test were unsatisfactory.
GM Sandy Alderson said Paulino’s blood test situation was unrelated to the drug testing Paulino underwent before leaving the Dominican Republic earlier this month. Paulino is suspended for the first eight games of this season as a carryover from the punishment he received last year for failing a drug test with the Marlins. Alderson said Paulino will have his blood counts checked again in the coming days.
Bay had stiffness in his back while taking batting practice on Friday and alerted manager Terry Collins, who told the left fielder not to push it. Bay will also likely miss Sunday’s game, but the Mets expect him back for Monday’s action.
mpuma@nypost.com