Raul Valdes Likely Taking John Maine's Spot in New York Mets Rotation

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets have a tentative schedule to pitch Raul Valdes in the first game of the Phillies series in place of John Maine, who just went on the DL with shoulder weakness.

Igarashi Takahashi will be back in there for the second game against Philly and Mike Pelfrey will be pitching the last.

At least they haven’t put Oliver Perez back in the rotation, but it is interesting that they would turn to a member of their bullpen instead of going to the minors. Although now that R.A. Dickey is already in the rotation, there is no obvious choice to get called up.

Pat Misch would probably make the most sense, especially considering that he is lined up to pitch that day and manager Jerry Manuel said that he wants a lefty against the Phillies. Misch is also putting up pretty good numbers in Buffalo, 4-0 with a 3.02 ERA in 50.2 innings. Dillon Gee might be another possibility, but he would have to go on short rest.

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