John Maine Attempting Comeback From Injury

John Maine hasn’t pitched in a game for the Mets since August 23rd. He’s got bone spurs in his right shoulder but is trying to come back for the final week of the season and maybe the playoffs.

Maine will throw 15-20 pitches against three batters in Atlanta today. He did throw 10 pitches on Thursday in Washington and pitching coach Dan Warthen described the workout as “unimpressive”.

Warthen has downplayed the chances of Maine coming back and making a contribution this season. The plan going forward is for Maine to come off the disabled list on Monday and pitch in relief appearances of no more than one inning. Initially, he’ll be pitching in games with a run differential of five or more to keep the pressure off him.

As much as I’d like to see Maine get back and help the team this season, he’s one of the most valuable players the Mets have based on his talent and that he’s still under the Mets control for several years before he becomes arbitration eligible. They can’t take a chance on doing something this season that could hurt his chances of helping the Mets in the future.

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On Deck- September 20- Mets at Braves [Game 2]

New York Mets (86-67 Road: 41-38) at Atlanta Braves (67-87 Home: 41-38) 7:10pm

Pedro Martinez (5-5 5.47) vs. Jorge Campillo (7-7 3.79) 

TV: SNY  Radio: WFAN

What to watch: Pedro has lost two games in a row now and looked pretty bad doing it. This very well may be one of his final starts as a Met. If John Maine is able to pitch there’s no way we’ll see Pedro if the Mets make it to October. The Mets try to hold their slim .5 game lead over the Phillies tonight in the NL East.

Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.

Mets Win With Late Offense Over Braves 9-5

It wasn’t Oliver Perez’ best start but he worked hard to get through six innings giving up four runs (three earned). Again, the shaky bullpen took over in the seventh and it took four pitchers to get through the inning while giving up the one run lead to the hapless Braves. I feel like I could write this same description of every game.

The difference in this game was that the Mets came up with some late offense scoring four runs in the eighth inning. The key was a two-run double by Daniel Murphy to left center scoring Carlos Delgado and Argenis Reyes. That opened the flood gates.

Jose Reyes was the player of the game having a monster offensive night. He led off the game with a home run for the second time in three games. He went 3 for 4 with 3 runs, 2 RBI’s, and his 52nd stolen base of the season.

Box score

On Deck- September 19- Mets at Braves [Game 1]

New York Mets (85-67 Road: 40-38) at Atlanta Braves (67-86 Home: 41-37) 7:35pm

Oliver Perez (10-7 4.09) vs. Jo-Jo Reyes (3-11 5.50) 

TV: SNY  Radio: WFAN

What to watch: Perez had a terrific game in his last start against Atlanta. The Mets need to take this series from the Braves to keep the pressure on the Phillies and Brewers in the playoff race.

Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.

Mets Schneider Blasts 2 HR’s In Win Over Nats 7-2

Light hitting catcher Brian Schneider provided the power that the Mets needed tonight. He hit two solo homers leading the Mets to a much needed win over the Nationals.

Johan Santana did what he always does, put the Mets in position to win. He went seven innings giving up one run. What more can you ask?

It ends up being a split of the four game series in Washington as the Mets head to Atlanta for a weekend series.

Box score

On Deck- September 18- Mets at Nationals [Game 4]

New York Mets (84-67 Road: 39-38) at Washington Nationals (58-94 Home: 33-41)7:10pm

Johan Santana (13-7 2.70) vs. Tim Redding (10-9 4.54) 

TV: SNY  Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets go for the split of the series in DC. Santana is a quality start machine and the Mets could really use a complete game to keep the failing bullpen off the field.

Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.