Right-hander John Maine's first major-league start in three months is targeted for September 13 in Philadelphia, manager Jerry Manuel said. Maine has been on the disabled list since a June 6 outing in Washington, with a pinched nerve that was causing shoulder weakness. Maine made a rehab start with Class A St. Lucie on Saturday. He tossed four scoreless innings against Palm Beach, allowing two hits while striking out six and walking one. The Mets have a doubleheader Sunday at Citizens Bank Park and need a spot starter that night.
"Obviously, he will have a limitation on the number of pitches," Manuel said. "But I think that will be our only chance to get him up and start a game."
Maine won 15 games in 2007, but injuries have sidetracked him the past two seasons. Maine underwent surgery to remove a bony growth from his right shoulder socket last September. It was scar tissue from that procedure that's believed to have contributed to the pinched nerve and shoulder weakness.
"When I've been healthy, I've always given the team a chance to win," Maine said. "My problem has been going out there every five days."
METS 4, CUBS 2: 1B Daniel Murphy homered and drove in all four runs for the Mets. RHP Mike Pelfrey tossed a season-high eight innings for his 10th victory. RHP Francisco Rodriguez notched his 30th save despite allowing a ninth-inning run.
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