PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - New York Mets right-hander Shaun Marcum could miss the start of the regular season because of a neck injury.
Marcum, who signed a $4 million, one-year contract during the off-season, experienced discomfort during a bullpen session Monday. He was being examined in Port St. Lucie on Tuesday and was all but certain to miss his final exhibition start, slated for Thursday.
The 31-year old received a cortisone injection in his right shoulder for an impingement a week ago.
Marcum, 7-4 with a 3.70 ERA in 21 starts for Milwaukee last year, could join ace Johan Santana (lack of arm strength) on the disabled list.
Jeremy Hefner will take Santana's spot in the rotation. Aaron Laffey, sent to minor league camp Sunday, and Collin McHugh are potential replacements for Marcum.
