PORT ST. LUCIE — John Maine survived his final Grapefruit League start, but that was about it.
With his stomach churning and head aching, Maine yesterday allowed four earned runs on six hits and four walks over 4 2/3 innings in the Mets’ 9-3 loss to the Nationals.
Maine’s hurling extended beyond the pitcher’s mound, as he dealt with an upset stomach before and during the game.
He finished the spring 1-3 with a 7.88 ERA and will now prepare for a Wednesday start against the Marlins at Citi Field. Maine said his arm this spring felt better than it did at any point in the last two years.
“The last time [the ball] came out this easy without trying to force anything probably was spring training 2008,” Maine said. “I might have been throwing a little harder then, but it’s coming out good.”
Maine isn’t sure what caused his stomach problems, but said by the fifth inning he was completely dehydrated and weak.
“I don’t care about my stomach or head or anything — my arm feels fine, my shoulder feels good,” Maine said. “That is top priority.”
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Carlos Beltran expects to begin running in the next 10 days, at which time he’ll have a better idea how close he is to joining the team.
“I am not going to predict anything,” Beltran said, when asked about a possible return date. “Right now I’m following the program, and when I get to the stage of running I can see what I need to get to the stage of playing games.”
Beltran, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in January, has been taking light swings in the batting cage and playing catch. He is expected to miss at least the season’s first month.
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Manager Jerry Manuel doesn’t expect to have his roster finalized until Sunday’s deadline. Raul Valdes continues to impress the manager as a possible lefty specialist. Valdes allowed a run over two-thirds of an inning yesterday, but has a 2.08 ERA this spring.
“He has put himself in a real good position with the bullpen,” Manuel said. “He has been very impressive.”