The slugger had another setback while rehabbing from right hip surgery and it appears increasingly unlikely that he'll be able to return to the lineup before the season ends.
Sidelined since May 11, Delgado tried again to run outside last weekend but his hip became inflamed. He said the recent soreness in his side and back also were related to the hip injury.
"It's been a long, kind of frustrating four months," Delgado said Friday. "I don't have very much time, so I mean, I don't want to rule anything out. We'll see how it is over the weekend and I guess soon we'll have to make a decision. It's kind of unfortunate because you like to see things go smooth."
The 37-year-old Delgado can become a free agent after this season, his fourth in New York. Ravaged by injuries all year, the Mets might look for a younger and perhaps less expensive option at first base in 2010.
"I like it here. We have a great team. A player in my situation where I've been around for a few years, you walk in this clubhouse, you've got a chance to win. Obviously, we've got to get healthier, but I think we're in the process of doing that. It offers you a great opportunity," Delgado said. "We haven't really talked to the front office in regard to that, but if that's the case I'd like to come back."
The Mets picked up Delgado's $12 million option for this season after he had a huge second half last year. He finished 2008 with a .271 batting average, 38 home runs and 115 RBIs.
Delgado, who is 27 homers shy of 500, said swinging a bat feels fine but running still gives him trouble. He's confident he can still be a dangerous power hitter -- once he gets healthy.
"Absolutely. Not a doubt in my mind," he said. "I'm going to play. I'll find a way."
The Mets would like to see Delgado come back this season, even if it just provides a quick glimpse of his skills following the May 19 operation. That could help them make a decision about next year.
"I think time is running out for him," manager Jerry Manuel said before his slumping team opened a three-game series against last-place Washington.
Delgado said he doesn't think he'll need another operation this winter.
"I got checked out a couple weeks ago and structurally the hip is good," he said. "I'm guilty of trying to come back too soon."
A two-time All-Star, Delgado was batting .298 with four homers and 23 RBIs when he went on the disabled list. Since then, he's watched the fourth-place Mets fall 21 games below .500 going into Friday night.
"We've been pretty bad about playing fundamental baseball," he said.
New York Mets 3B David Wright hit in head, leaves gameFigo not planning return
