Cameron out after collision

NOTES

Mike Cameron and Carlos Beltran sprinted toward the sinking liner, both outfielders watching the ball and diving toward the same spot.

They didn’t see each other and smashed face-to-face in what many of their New York Mets teammates said was one of the scariest collisions they’ve ever seen. The Mets who ran to the fallen pair during the seventh inning of the 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres on Thursday at San Diego said Cameron was dazed and bleeding from the mouth.

Cameron was taken off the field on a stretcher, his body immobilized and his neck in a brace. He was taken to Mercy Hospital, where he underwent two CT scans. Cameron broke his nose, had multiple fractures of both cheekbones and a slight concussion, and was to be hospitalized overnight, Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said.

Beltran had a sore left shoulder and a cut near his left temple. He was to have a CT scan and then possibly head to Los Angeles to rejoin the Mets, who open a series against the Dodgers tonight.

Hampton returns Sunday

Mike Hampton is ready to rejoin the Atlanta Braves’ rotation Sunday against Arizona, which means a temporary exile to the bullpen for Horacio Ramirez.

•Sidelined since late April with an injured right shoulder, Jaret Wright will return to the New York Yankees’ rotation Monday to start against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Radcliffe dies at 103

Former Negro Leagues star Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe, believed to be the oldest living professional baseball player, died Thursday. He was 103.