MLB

WAGNER HAS NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE

Billy Wagner seemed to have a mix of amusement and annoyance at all the attention his left shoulder has received over the last two days.

The Mets closer had an MRI exam on his throwing shoulder today morning that showed no structural damage. He was diagnosed with spasms in the shoulder muscle.

“I’m a 37-year-old (actually 36 until Friday) pitcher going that’s been doing this 15 years,” Wagner said. “I’m going to have minor strains and things like that. That’s the way it goes.”

Wagner played catch on the field before the game, then had a short session in the bullpen.

Wagner had trouble warming up Sunday in Cincinnati. Manuel and trainer Ray Ramirez visited Wagner on the mound in the 10th inning. Wagner stayed in the game and struck out the side.

He visited Dr. Seth Miller, the Mets’ orthopedist, at the Hospital for Special Surgery on Monday, where he performed strength tests and underwent an exam. He returned today to have the MRI exam.

When asked what made him want to see the doctor, Wagner snapped, “I didn’t. They told me I had to go.”

The Mets’ cautious nature is understandable with their aging, high-priced closer. As Wagner talked to reporters, teammate Scott Schoeneweis held up a piece of paper behind him with “old” written on it.

Manuel would not commit to one pitcher to fill in for Wagner if he could not go.

“Probably mix it up a little bit,” Manuel said. “Maybe use (Duaner) Sanchez. It depends how we get through the eighth. We’ll make a decision at that time.”

Wagner has 24 saves this season and was named to the All-Star team. The veteran lefty has converted 10 of his last 11 save chances.

Manuel said he’s not worried about Wagner’s status.

“If he’s not available tonight, which I think he will be, and if he’s not available tomorrow, which I think he will be, that will depend on what the medical people say. It will determine the decision and the evaluation at that time, not me, they will determine that.”

If Wagner is unavailable it might change Manuel’s thinking when faced with taking a starting pitcher out.

“I would hope not,” Manuel said. “But probably somewhere in the back of my mind I would be thinking he’s not there and I might have some trepidation one way or the other, but for the most part, if that starter I think is done, regardless of what I have on the back end, I have to get him out of there. That’s kind of how I feel about that. I always for most part prefer a fresh arm.”

Sanchez seems the most likely candidate to fill in for Wagner, should the Mets need a substitute. The righty has surrendered one run over his last 17 2/3 innings. He is unscored upon in 36 of his 42 appearances.

Sanchez said he hopes Wagner is OK but he’s ready if needed.

“All I can say is I’m here,” Sanchez said. “I’ll be in the bullpen and whatever they tell me to do.”