Mets expect RHP Maine to be ready for spring training

Oct 1, 2008 - 3:21 PM FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Mets are hopeful that pitcher John Maine will be ready for the start of spring training after his right shoulder surgery.

Shut down in late August due to recurring pain, Maine underwent a procedure Tuesday in which a lesion was removed from the back of his shoulder socket.

According to the team's web site, Maine will begin an immediate rehabilitation program and resume throwing as part of his offseason routine.

Maine, 27, completed his third season in New York with a 10-8 record and 4.18 ERA, pitching 140 innings over 25 starts.

Maine, who owns a career mark of 31-23, made his last start of the year on August 23, when he surrendered eight runs in 5 2/3 innings of an 8-3 loss to the Houston Astros. He was placed on the disabled list two days later with a bone spur in his elbow.