Shaun Marcum could be headed toward an extended disabled list stint with the Mets, after neck pain Tuesday prevented him from throwing a simulated game in Port St. Lucie.
The veteran right-hander is scheduled to pitch Sunday against the Marlins at Citi Field, but that plan almost certainly will change given Tuesday’s setback.
Marcum, who hasn’t pitched in more than two weeks, will be reassessed today. But it appears likely lefty Aaron Laffey will be called up to start in Marcum’s place.
A team official Tuesday night said no decision has been reached on which direction the Mets will go for Sunday.
Marcum had a bullpen session curtailed last week because of neck soreness, but began taking an anti-inflammatory, which he said improved his condition. Earlier in camp Marcum received a cortisone shot on his right shoulder, but called the procedure “precautionary” given his health history.
Marcum, who battled elbow soreness last year with the Brewers, signed a one-year deal with the Mets in the offseason.
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Johan Santana’s left shoulder is fixed, but now comes the long recovery. The Mets left-hander underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder, the team announced. The procedure was performed by Dr. David Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.
Santana, 34, likely faces at least a year of rehab if he intends to pitch again, as he has told friends is his plan. Santana first tore his anterior capsule in September 2010 and after surgery missed the entire following season rehabbing the shoulder. He returned to the Mets last year and went 6-9 with a 4.85 ERA in 21 starts.
The lefty is in the final year of a $137.5 million contract. He will earn $31 million this season — a figure that includes a $5.5 million buyout for 2014.
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Manager Terry Collins said he expects to have the same lineup on the field Wednesday night against lefty Clayton Richard as he used for Monday’s opener against Edinson Volquez. Ike Davis (0-for-5 with four strikeouts) was the only Mets starter who did not reach base on Monday.