Well, That Stinks - Angel Pagan Has Colitis

Were you present at the Mets-Phillies game last night in Philadelphia? If so, did you look behind you because you smelled something funny during the game? Apparently, the Mets' performance at Citizens Bank Park wasn't the only thing that turned up a few noses.

According to a tweet by Adam Rubin, Mets' centerfielder Angel Pagan has colitis and has had the condition since 2004. This was the reason for his early departure from last night's game (originally his exit was said to be due to a stomach virus), a game in which the Mets suffered a 10-0 defeat at the hands of the Phillies.

For those who don't know medical terms or didn't watch Doogie Howser, M.D. back in the day, colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine or colon. It's symptoms can include constant bowel movements, dehydration and (ahem) really bad gas. (That's not an attempt at potty humor; it's absolutely true.)

Pagan has taken pills for the condition and was even placed on the disabled list because of it in 2007 while he was a member of the Chicago Cubs.

Although the condition can be uncomfortable and occasionally embarrassing, Pagan will still be in tonight's starting lineup, batting leadoff for the Mets as they try to even up the series in Philadelphia.

For the past three seasons, Angel Pagan has been running like the wind, catching fly ball after fly ball in center field for the Mets. Since 2004, that's not the only thing he's been doing with the wind, as he's been breaking it as well because of his affliction with colitis.

All jokes aside, colitis is something Pagan will have to deal with for the rest of his life. Hopefully, with continued use of his medication, he will not be affected the way he was last night and will continue to produce for the Mets in the way he has been over the past few weeks. It would really stink if last night repeated itself.