Laffey will be given another start
With a series of sharp singles and rocket doubles on Sunday afternoon, the Marlins made it quite clear
to the Mets that their rotation has a hole.
Though the Mets entered Sunday's play with a 1.41 rotation ERA through their first five games, spot
starter Aaron Laffey gave up 10 hits and three runs over 4 1/3 innings. The Mets survived a 4-3 win over
the Marlins only because their bullpen kept them close, and because Marlon Byrd came through with a walk-
off, two-run single in the ninth.
They know they may not be so lucky the next time Laffey pitches, should the left-hander give them a
similar effort.
"Obviously, he hasn't thrown a lot," manager Terry Collins said. "(Pitching coach) Dan (Warthen) said
before the game, 'Look, we've got to be careful after 85 pitches. He hasn't pitched that much.' He had
some issues in spring training where he didn't get to throw like we wanted him to."
Regardless, the Mets plan to give Laffey another start, hoping that he can at least keep the rotation
afloat until Shaun Marcum returns from the disabled list.
Problem is, they have little clue when that might be. Marcum received injections last week to relieve
nerve inflammation in his neck, and needs to build up arm strength once he returns to the mound. Collins
said Sunday that he has "no idea" when Marcum will make his Mets debut.
