From MARK HALE
The Mets were pretty happy today with John Maine‘s second simulated game, and their chances of having the injured righty return before the season ends have been enhanced. Two days after he threw a 24-pitch simulated game in Atlanta, Maine — battling a bone spur in his shoulder — threw a 25-pitch simulated game at Shea Stadium.
He felt good. And the Mets felt good about it.
“Thought he was excellent today,” pitching coach Dan Warthen said, noting that Maine had “better velocity, everything” than he did Saturday.
Jerry Manuel added: “He threw very well. I was impressed with the life he had on a lot of pitches, and it’s a situation where you can be a little more optimistic at this point.”
Manuel said the earliest Maine could return is Thursday. If that doesn’t happen, Maine would be down to the weekend and, potentially, the playoffs, meaning he isn’t dealing with a lot of room to maneuver a comeback.
“Probably the best-case scenario, comes in [today], said he felt pretty good. And then the following day do something light,” Manuel explained regarding the schedule. “And then maybe after that, if he still feels good, maybe find a spot for him in a game.”
Maine is getting antsy to return. He said he feels he’s healthy enough to pitch and capable enough to succeed.
“I felt fine. I felt better than I did two days ago,” he said. “I think I’m good to go.”