New York Mets right-hander Dwight Gooden had to leav yesterday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals when he was struck by Ozzie Smith's liner, but X-rays were negative.

The Mets said they did not expect Gooden (5-4) to miss his next start.

After he was hit on the wrist, Gooden was in some pain but was able to make a fist and move his fingers.

"I had broken the same wrist when I was playing football in high school," said Gooden.

"The pain came right away and I thought it was broken again. I didn't know what to expect until I got to the hospital."

Gooden gave up five runs on 11 hits in six-plus innings. He struck out five and walked none.

* EXPOS: First baseman Andres Galarraga was placed on the 15-day disabled list, and catcher Mike Fitzgerald was removed from the disabled list.

Galarraga suffered a pulled left hamstring Friday against the Chicago Cubs. Fitzgerald had been on the disabled list with a fractured knuckle on his left hand.

* ANGELS: Former Los Angeles Dodger Fernando Valenzuela, playing for California's Class AA affiliate in Midland, Texas, is expected to pitch tonight against the Jackson Generals.