Last week, we reported that John Maine was taken out of Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals after throwing only five pitches. He was scheduled for an MRI on Monday that revealed that he had rotator cuff tendinitis in his right shoulder. The official announcement came from the New York Mets Monday after the MRI results had been confirmed.

John Maine kept telling everyone that he was fine after being replaced on the mound during Thursday’s game and being put on the DL the following Friday; however, he has now confessed to some discomfort.

As of right now, Maine will begin rehab for his injury and should return to the team within a few weeks provided that his rehab goes according to plan. He won’t be able to begin pitching again until his shoulder is up to par. Maine does expect to get back to the team and off the DL when he is eligible next month.

In an attempt to replace Maine on the active roster for New York, the Mets have optioned Daniel Murphy to AAA Buffalo and have re-established Murphy from the 15-day DL. The first baseman suffered a strain to his right knee, has been on the DL since April 5 (the entire season this year), and has been playing with Single-A St. Lucie for his rehab sessions. During his three game rehab time with St. Lucie, Murphy is 8 for 11 with six RBI’s and one homer.

Daniel Murphy is not confirmed as being the full replacement for Maine until he can resume pitching as the Mets actually intend on increasing Murphy’s versatility by optioning him to Buffalo. The Mets probably want a back-up player that can play in a variety of positions should he be needed. So, for right now, the New York Mets will start by depending on R.A. Dickey, the starter for Tuesday’s game and maybe even Raul Valdes when needed this weekend for another starter.

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