NEW YORK (AP) — Shaun Marcum was unable to pitch a simulated game for the New York Mets because of pain in his neck and will not be able to come off the disabled list to start Sunday against the Miami Marlins.
Marcum had been set to throw Tuesday at the team’s spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Marcum signed with the Mets during the offseason. He received a cortisone injection in his right shoulder for an impingement last month, then felt neck discomfort during a bullpen session on March 25. He did not pitch in any spring training games after March 16.
Aaron Laffey and Collin McHugh appear to be the most likely candidates to replace Marcum. Already missing injured ace Johan Santana, New York has a rotation that includes Jonathon Niese, Matt Harvey, Dillon Gee and Jeremy Hefner.
