We are told that John Maine has a bone spur “on the back of his shoulder”. Where specifically we are not told.
At any rate, a spur is almost best case scenario as its easily shaved down through a scope. If there is minimal soft tissue damage, he could be back to full strenghth by spring training.
But what to do now?
It hurts and he is unable to throw between starts. Not throwing on the side often leads to performances like last night. Its a routine he won’t be able to sustain. Although he had good velocity last night, he displayed poor command and had no movement on his fastball.
If he is unusually sor this morning, the Mets will know its not going its not going to work. The spur might be causing soft tissue damage and they will need to shut him down for the year to have the surgery and begin the rehab. The good news is that the outlook is good.
Word may come soon that we’ll see Jon Niese put on the 25 man roster before September 1 to be eligible for the play-offs.
Even if the Mets are not going to shut down Maine, they could DL him to create a spot for Niese before September 1st and still have Maine eligible for October. Niese is 4-1 for New Orleans (AAA) and starts tonight in Albuquerque. His next spot fits perfect for the Mets as it falls within a day of when Maine would take the mound next.
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This post was written by bobsikes on August 24, 2008
Niese would be unlikely to make the playoff roster since the team won’t use 5 starters in the postseason and he won’t be in the bullpen as a lefty ahead of feliciano, schoenweiss or wagner. Also, he is already nearing his innings limit for the year, having surpassed his 2007 total by 25 innings already.
You make valid points about Niese. My main concern is winning the division. I’m hopeful the Mets don’t stand on ceremony and hold the line on a silly max innings numbers for Niese and now Mike Pelfrey.
I agree with you as well that you don’t need five starters. It almost seems like you need 3 1/2. But the Mets badly need arms that are getting people out. If Niese proves he cand get ML hitters out, they’ll need him.