Mets put David Bell on DL

NEW YORK, May 22 (UPI) -- The New York Mets Thursday added backup infielder Jay Bell to their already crowded disabled list.

He was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained right groin.

Bell, 37, signed as a non-roster player over the winter, so far has been a bust. He is hitting just .214 with no homers and three RBI in 31 games.

He is the ninth player on the Mets' disabled list, a group that includes star catcher Mike Piazza, who could miss the rest of the season because of a right groin tear, and first baseman Mo Vaughn, who is out with a knee injury.

Outfielder Jeromy Burnitz, sidelined since late April with a broken bone in his left hand, is expected to be activated in time for this weekend's series in Atlanta.

The Mets called up lefthander Pedro Feliciano from Triple-A Norfolk of the International league to replace Bell on the roster.

Feliciano was 3-2 with a 3.97 ERA and one save in 15 games.