Mets' Maine Will Not Be Back Before All-Star Break

NEW YORK - Mets right-hander John Maine, who was supposed to continue a minor-league rehabilitation assignment Saturday, instead will not pick up a ball for a week because of recurring discomfort in his shoulder.

Maine (5-4 with a 4.52 ERA) called his injury "a little bit of a pinched nerve" and conceded he will be out at least through the All-Star break.

Without Maine, the Mets can continue to use Fernando Nieve in the rotation. Nieve, claimed from the Astros on waivers in March, is 3-0 with a 1.31 ERA since being called up.

Oliver Perez, out since early May, is scheuled to pitch Sunday for Class A Brooklyn on his rehab assignment.

Maine, who went on the disabled list June 12, said he was fine throwing a bullpen session Wednesday but had his shoulder act up Thursday while playing catch.

"I had to say something," he said. "I thought I could get through it and I just couldn't.

"I threw about 10 [times] and it hurt, so I just stopped."