NEW YORK - The New York Mets and New York Yankees may both lose their flamethrowers.

Mets closer and former Auburn pitcher Billy Wagner was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a strained left forearm, leaving the New York Mets without their All-Star closer as they chase a playoff spot.

Down in Arlinton, Texas, Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain will be examined by noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday after undergoing an MRI on his ailing right shoulder.

The loss of Wagner is a huge blow to the Mets, even though he has blown seven of 34 save chances. No other New York pitcher has a save this season.

“It's just a bad time to have to go through something like this,” Wagner said.

Struggling setup man Aaron Heilman is likely to get the first shot at closing in Wagner's absence, manager Jerry Manuel said. The Mets also recalled right-hander Ruddy Lugo from Triple-A New Orleans. He has been starting games in the minors and will be penciled in as a long man out of the bullpen with New York.

After losing their final four games on a 1-5 road trip, the Mets were set to open a seven-game homestand Tuesday night against San Diego. New York began the day third in the NL East, three games behind in the division and wild-card races.

Wagner had an MRI exam and X-rays on his pitching arm Tuesday. The tests showed no structural damage, but the forearm strain requires rest.

“It's like a pulled hamstring,” he said.

The left-hander is 0-1 with a 2.30 ERA and 27 saves in 45 appearances. After sitting out a game with a sore shoulder two weeks ago, Wagner began feeling discomfort near his elbow while pitching in Florida last Tuesday.

He saved that game, then squandered a two-run lead in Saturday night's loss at Houston. Wagner said the pain and tightness in his arm made it difficult to finish his pitches, especially when aiming inside, and the team couldn't count on him because he was unable to pitch two days in a row.

“When they can't rely on you, you're worthless,” he said.

After being removed from Monday's game with a stiff right shoulder, Chamberlain returned to New York for tests Tuesday. The team said before its game against the Texas Rangers that it would not reveal the results of the MRI exam until Chamberlain is seen by Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. “He'll take his test results with him,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “Until I hear from Dr. Andrews, that's all I've got.”

On Tuesday, Chamberlain flew back to New York and underwent a series of tests, including an MRI, at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan.

The Yankees are already without No. 1 starter Chien-Ming Wang and right-hander Phil Hughes. Subtracting Chamberlain from the rotation would be a huge blow to the team's postseason chances.

“I think we're all hopeful,” Girardi said. “I hope we don't miss him for very long. But you think of a guy of Joba's caliber and you know he's going to miss a start, that doesn't mean the guy who replaces him can't pitch well.”

Girardi said the 22-year-old right-hander would probably miss his next turn in the rotation. Anything longer would be a setback for the injury-riddled Yankees pitching staff.

“I envision him not making his next start,” Girardi said. “Beyond that, I can't say.”

Girardi said his options for replacing Chamberlain include moving right-hander Darrell Rasner back into the rotation or recalling a pitcher from Triple-A Scranton.

Girardi said the Yankees will be cautious with Chamberlain, even in a close playoff race.

“You're always careful with your players,” Girardi said. “You don't want to jeopardize their long-term health. And we're talking about a 22-year-old kid here.”