Notes: Ozzie Smith’s tender right hamstring kept him out of the Cardinals’ Opening Day lineup for the first time since 1982. Smith was scheduled to open his 15th consecutive season at shortstop when a slightly pulled hamstring, combined with wet grounds at Shea Stadium and forecast rain, forced the 14-time All-Star to the bench for the game against the New York Mets. “There’s no problem,” Smith said. “We’re just playing it safe.” Royce Clayton, acquired in an off-season trade as the heir-apparent to Smith, started and batted second. . . . Reds second baseman Bret Boone went on the disabled list and will need arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. The Reds called up Eric Owens from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill his spot. Boone will be out three to six weeks. The move left the Reds with six players on the disabled list: pitchers Jose Rijo (elbow surgery), Chuck McElroy (pulled hamstring) and Jeff Brantley (foot surgery), outfielders Thomas Howard (broken wrist) and Eric Anthony (separated shoulder) and Boone.
