MLB

Murphy’s comeback strained for Mets

PORT ST. LUCIE — Daniel Murphy took a sidestep yesterday in his comeback from a strained rib cage muscle.

A day after playing defense and running in a minor league game, Murphy was “fatigued,” according to general manager Sandy Alderson, and took the day off.

“It wasn’t a setback,” Alderson said. “He was just a little fatigued, so we sat him out.”

PHOTOS: METS SPRING TRAINING

Manager Terry Collins said Murphy was “stiff” in the rib cage area. The Mets were hopeful Murphy would begin batting in a minor league game by this weekend. That still could happen, depending on how Murphy feels today.

Murphy has spent the past month attempting to shake the injury.

* Frank Francisco threw from a mound for the third time this spring, but remains unsure about his Opening Day status. The right-hander said he probably will need two more mound sessions before pitching live batting practice, perhaps by next weekend.

“I’m not good enough to pitch, but feeling better,” said Francisco, who had December surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow. “I just want to be ready for the season. Whenever I go up there, stay up there. I don’t want to rush it and come back down here.”

Francisco said he still has “stinging” in the elbow.

* Shaun Marcum allowed two earned runs on five hits over four innings in a 4-2 loss to the Marlins.

The veteran righty said he threw his cutter for the first time this spring and liked the results.

“It’s huge,” Marcum said. “Especially for a guy that is not overpowering. I don’t throw awful hard, so I’ve got to be able to locate that pitch.”