SAN FRANCISCO -- New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza has a severe right groin strain and will spend a "significant'' amount of time on the disabled list.

An MRI performed Saturday revealed the severity of the injury. Piazza hurt himself Friday injury trying to avoid an inside pitch from San Francisco's Jason Schmidt.

"He will miss a significant period of time,'' Mets assistant general manager Jim Duquette said. "There's still some swelling in there so it's hard to get an accurate reading.''

Piazza will remain with the team through Sunday, then get reevaluated by doctors in New York on Monday or Tuesday. Saturday's exam was performed by Giants team doctor Gary Fanton.

"He feels there's no need for surgery,'' Duquette said. "It's not completely torn.''

Piazza said he originally injured the groin during the Mets series against the Montreal Expos in Puerto Rico, April 11-14.

"It's bizarre,'' said Piazza. "I usually have pulls and strains but not to where I can't move.''

"I've been treating it ever since,'' he said.

Piazza was placed on the 15-day disabled list. He joins seven teammates on the DL. Shortstop Rey Sanchez went on the list Wednesday with a sprained left thumb.

"It's just another setback physically,'' Mets manager Art Howe said. "I didn't think it could get any worse, but it could.''

Jason Phillips was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to replace Piazza, and was in the starting lineup at first base. Vance Wilson started at catcher.

Phillips, who was on the Mets opening day roster, hit .360 with four home runs and 20 RBI with the Tides.

Piazza jumped out of the way of a 1-2 pitch, then fell to the ground. He needed help walking off the field from Howe and Mets trainer Scott Lawrenson.

Piazza missed 10 of New York's first 42 games this season because of minor injuries and a four-game suspension. The All-Star missed a game on May 6 after having a mole removed from his abdomen.