Scott Hairston was diagnosed with a left shin contusion. Hairston suffered the injury when he fouled a ball off his left leg in the first inning. X-rays came back negative, but it's not clear if he'll need to miss any time. With Carlos Beltran also sidelined, the Mets may have to play short-handed in their outfield for the time being.

Scott Hairston went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer and a career-high five RBI in an 11-2 win over the Phillies on Saturday. And wouldn't you know it, Hairston only started in right field because Carlos Beltran was unavailable with flu-like symptoms. He's now 8-for-20 (.400) with three homers and six RBI in his career against Cole Hamels. More importantly, he's now batting .258 with five homers and an .850 OPS over 89 at-bats this season. He could see an increase in playing time if and when Beltran is inevitably traded.

Pinch-hitter Scott Hairston homered off Brian Wilson in the top of the ninth to break a tie as the Mets beat the Giants 5-2 on Friday. It was 2-2 when Hairston led off the frame with the homer. The Mets added two insurance runs after an Andres Torres error before Francisco Rodriguez shut down the Giants in the bottom of the ninth. Hairston now has four homers in 81 at-bats this season. He's done pretty well when given a rare chance to start, but the hit tonight was just his fourth in 25 at-bats as a pinch-hitter.

Scott Hairston worked out at first base over the past two days. Hairston has never started a professional game at first base, but he would give Mets manager Terry Collins a right-handed bat against tough southpaws. The 31-year-old has struggled to find playing time this season, so the added flexibility would help his chances of getting in the lineup more regularly.

Scott Hairston will serve as the designated hitter Friday against the Rangers. He's in there against the left-hander Matt Harrison. Some assumed Carlos Beltran would be the designated hitter, but he's making the start in right field. Look for Hairston to be in the lineup again Sunday against Derek Holland, another southpaw.

Scott Hairston singled and belted a three-run shot in Thursday's loss to the Braves. Hairston's bomb was the big blow in the game before Brooks Conrad's pinch-hit blast in the ninth tied things up. The outfielder has played sparingly this season but has done a fair job when given a shot, sporting a .271/.338/.475 batting line. Perhaps he's earned a little more playing time against lefties after tonight's showing.