MLB

Rib ‘tug’ sets back Mets’ Murphy

PORT ST. LUCIE — Daniel Murphy has a “subtle tug” in his right rib cage that at minimum figures to sideline him for a week.

The Mets second baseman is returning to New York today for an MRI exam and possible cortisone shot at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He isn’t expected in the lineup when the Mets open their Grapefruit League season on Saturday against the Nationals.

“Better to miss the first week of spring training than the first week of the season,” said Murphy, who participated in most team drills yesterday but did not swing a bat.

PHOTOS: METS SPRING TRAINING

David Wright and Scott Hairston incurred similar injuries last year and missed significant portions of spring training. But both players were ready by Opening Day.

Murphy indicated he also had soreness in the rib cage toward the end of last season.

“The encouraging part for me is I was able to play through it last year,” Murphy said. “If I needed to play [now], if we had a game, I would play. But I think right now as an organization they just want to play it smart.”

Manager Terry Collins said if there’s a silver lining to Murphy sitting out it’s Jordany Valdespin can receive more action at second base early in the Grapefruit League season.

Valdespin, who can also play outfield, is battling for a roster spot and must show the Mets he is solid at second base. Justin Turner and Brandon Hicks are among the other players who will see action at the position.

Murphy, who reported to camp early, said a retooled swing — he has been finishing with one hand — might have led to this latest rib-cage soreness.

“We want to be pro-active and get me up to New York, especially with the success they had with David and Scotty last year,” Murphy said. “More or less I am going to find out how they stuck [Wright] in the MRI booth, because I don’t like those things very much.”