Pitching Woes Continue - Maine to the DL

Who says bullpen injuries don't directly affect a team's starting rotation? With the uncertainty of Billy Wagner's sore forearm, and the unavailability of Aaron Heilman, the Mets needed to create a roster spot for a bullpen arm (rookie Eddie Kunz). Therefore, starter John Maine was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a mild rotator cuff strain. Maine last pitched on July 28th against the Marlins, but was removed in the fifth inning when his rotator cuff acted up. He was originally slated to start today against the Astros, but the Mets chose to skip Maine so he could further rest his arm (with Thursday's off day, Oliver Perez was able to start on normal rest). Prior to the move to the disabled list being made, Maine was scheduled to start next Friday against the Marlins, which he is physically able to do. Maine going to the DL has more to do with the bullpen being short than his rotator cuff being worse that originally thought. With tomorrow being an off day the Mets will not need a fifth starter until August 13th, against the Washington Nationals, which is when Maine is scheduled to start as he's eligible to come off the disabled list.