MLB

Mets’ Marcum says shot part of routine

PORT ST. LUCIE — Shaun Marcum’s spring-training drill: Get in shape, pitch, receive cortisone shot.

The Mets right-hander said there is no cause for alarm concerning the cortisone shot he received in his right shoulder on Tuesday, because it’s something he’s done the last two or three spring trainings.

“I almost feel like it’s part of my spring training routine,” Marcum said yesterday. “But I would rather miss the time here than during the season.”

PHOTOS: METS SPRING TRAINING

Marcum, who isn’t scheduled to pitch again until next week, indicated he has dealt with tightness in the shoulder — the Mets are calling it an “impingement” — and wasn’t pleased with his drop in velocity during his last start. He then talked the Mets into letting him have the cortisone shot during the team’s off day on Tuesday.

Marcum also received an MRI exam, which he said revealed no structural damage.

“I was in New York looking for places to live, so it made sense to see Dr. [David] Altchek and get everything checked out,” Marcum said. “It’s precautionary.”

Marcum missed three weeks of spring training last year with the Brewers because of shoulder tightness.

“Pretty much the same issue,” Marcum said. “I don’t know how many weeks I missed last year, but I would rather catch it now and get it done and not miss any time.”