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Mets Shut Down Paulino Over Results Of Blood Work

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — The New York Mets shut down backup catcher Ronny Paulino on Saturday because of concerns over the results of blood work done when he arrived at camp.

"Ronny Paulino will be shut down for a couple of days," general manager Sandy Alderson said. "His blood work came back, the doctors wanted some follow-up tests, and until that's done they don't want him on the field. It will probably be Monday or Tuesday before he's back. It's based on the lab work that came back."

Alderson did not identify the doctors' concerns.

Paulino already was scheduled to miss the first eight games of the regular season to complete a 50-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs last year.

"It has nothing to do with any other issues," Alderson said. "It has to do with blood counts and things of that sort. (He) needs further testing. It could be nothing.

"Unfortunately, this is the weekend. An additional test was done on Friday we won't get the results back until Monday or Tuesday. Given the initial lab work we just didn't want him exercising."

Mets manager Terry Collins said Paulino had been feeling fine.

"I'm pretty worried about it. I'm pretty worried about his health," Collins said. "Ronny came in this later morning and he's very discouraged that he's going to miss time because he's feeling great. He thinks he's in great shape, he doesn't feel any symptoms of things, but we medically have to take care of him."

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