Mets put Pedro on shelf to let ailing hip heal
Compiled by Times wires reportsPublished July 4, 2006
NEW YORK - Pedro Martinez will get treatment for his sore hip and throw a light side session before a decision is made on whether he'll get another start for the Mets before the All-Star break.
The right-hander, selected to the NL All-Star team Sunday, missed his scheduled start Monday night. His next turn would be in Saturday's doubleheader against the Marlins. Mets manager Willie Randolph said he could start Wednesday if he's ready, but he might not get another start before the break.
"He's probably going to just miss a start like he is and he might be able to pitch before the week is out so I'm not concerned at all," Randolph said.
Randolph said Martinez slipped in the bathroom and fell on his hip while he was changing his shirt during a series in Florida in May.
CHIPPER AILING: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones said his right foot felt better, but he still didn't know the extent of his injury. The five-time All-Star is being cautious after missing 37 games last season with a strained ligament in his left foot.
"I can tell you it feels better than it did yesterday, which is a good sign," Jones said. "Last year, quite frankly, it didn't get any better. At no point did it feel better, and then I got into the boot."
Manager Bobby Cox held Jones out of the lineup for the second straight day. Wilson Betemit will play third base until Jones feels better.
NO APPEAL: Astros manager Phil Garner passed up a chance to appeal his one-game suspension and served the penalty in the opener of a three-game series against the Cubs. Garner was suspended after tossing a chair onto the field following his ejection in Detroit on June 26.