NEW YORK -- Mets second baseman Luis Castillo was removed from the game against the Reds on Sunday after he had strained his left quad, and probably won't be available to play Monday night against the Nationals.

Castillo said as much after the game Sunday, noting his leg was sore and that the chilly weather had exacerbated the situation. He didn't anticipate an assignment to the disabled list.

Castillo played five innings Sunday, but said the strain was the result of his running out a triple in the first inning. He also reached base on an infield single in the fifth. Damion Easley replaced Castillo and drove in and scored a run in the sixth.