Mets outfielder Jason Bay returned to the field for the first time this season on Thursday against the Astros. Bay strained a rib cage muscle two days before the Mets broke spring training camp and opened the season on the disabled list. He started in left field and hit fifth. He finished 1-for-4 with a ground-rule double. "Obviously having Jason Bay back -- to pull these guys together is one of the best things that could happen," manager Terry Collins said after the game. "I think his presence in the clubhouse, in the dugout, and on the field is a big factor."