Johan Santana and Jeff Francoeur are the latest Mets stars to be sidelined with injuries.

Santana was scratched yesterday from his next scheduled start because of discomfort in his pitching elbow. Francoeur has a torn ligament in his left thumb, leaving New York without its right fielder and top hitter.

The setback involving Santana (13-9) is particularly alarming for the fourth-place Mets, who are counting on the two-time Cy Young Award winner to lead their rotation for years to come.

"He has not been throwing between starts for quite awhile. I would say since before the All-Star break. He has been pitching with this problem, but not with the level of discomfort he has now," New York manager Jerry Manuel said yesterday after his team's 6-2 loss to Philadelphia. "Now, it concerns him."

Santana had been slated to pitch tonight in Florida. Instead, the left-hander will be examined by Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek, and right-hander Nelson Figueroa will start against the Marlins.

The Mets have 11 players on the disabled list, including David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado, J.J. Putz and John Maine.

New York also learned yesterday that Francoeur has a torn ligament in the thumb on his non-throwing hand. He is day-to-day, the club said, but is expected to miss at least a handful of games.

Acquired last month in a trade with Atlanta, Francoeur was injured Sunday while making a diving catch. He is batting .305 (6 HRs, 24 RBIs) with New York.

Meanwhile, Billy Wagner said he wants to be a closer next season, regardless of the team.

That's why the New York Mets reliever said Boston must guarantee it will decline his contract option for 2010 before he would approve a potential trade to the Red Sox, who already have an All-Star closer in Jonathan Papelbon.

Wagner has a no-trade clause in his contract, which includes an $8 million option for next year with a $1 million buyout. If his option is declined, he can become a free agent in the offseason and sign with any team.

ELSEWHERE

Reds: Outfielder Chris Dickerson (sprained left ankle) and catcher Ryan Hanigan (concussion) were placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Mariners: All-Star outfielder Ichiro Suzuki was out of the Seattle Mariners' lineup yesterday because of tightness in his left calf. Manager Don Wakamatsu hopes Suzuki might be able to play by tomorrow.

Blue Jays: Closer Scott Downs (left toe injury) was activated from the disabled list and third baseman Edwin Encarnacion (strained left hamstring) was put on the 15-day disabled list yesterday.

Rockies: Former AL MVP Jason Giambi signed a minor league contract with Colorado yesterday, and he could be back in the major leagues on Sept. 1. The first baseman was cut by Oakland earlier this month after hitting .193 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs.