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With Pedro Martínez out, Oliver Pérez will pitch in the series against the Phillies along with Johan Santana and John Maine, which could be a blessing in disguise.

Pedro Martínez’s next start could be delayed for the second time, and David Wright might have shattered more bats than anyone else in the major leagues this season.

After aggravating a right groin injury last week, Pedro Martínez will miss his scheduled start here against the Reds on Sunday.

Pedro Martínez left the Mets’ eighth consecutive victory, against the Rockies at Shea Stadium on Saturday afternoon with what the team said was right shoulder tightness.

The Mets won three of four games this series against the team they have spent most of the season chasing, and reached a modest milestone: a record of 45-44.

The Mets lost a two-run lead in the eighth inning, then lost the game with two outs in the ninth, giving the Cardinals a victory at Busch Stadium.

Pedro Martínez departed after five and two-thirds innings on Friday at Shea, having given up six earned runs for the second consecutive start.

With one out Pedro Martínez gave up two singles, a double and, finally, a two-run single prompting manager Jerry Manuel to switch pitchers.

The Mets lost the opener, nearly overcoming a six-run deficit, and defeated the Rangers in the nightcap, when Billy Wagner redeemed himself for blowing his previous three save opportunities.

The morning after making his first major league start in two months, Pedro Martínez said he did not feel sore. Not yet, at least.