Sun Jul 20 00:43:36 2008

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Mets push back Martinez's next start, again

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Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - The Mets pushed Pedro Martinez's next start back again on Saturday, after the veteran righty threw a bullpen session during New York's 7-2 loss to the Reds.

Martinez was originally supposed to start in Sunday's series finale against Cincinnati, but was bumped after receiving a cortisone shot on Thursday to eliminate inflammation and promote healing in his right groin.

His next target date was Tuesday against division-rival Philadelphia, but Mets manager Jerry Manuel said after Saturday's game that Martinez will not pitch at all in the three-game set against the Phillies, who the Mets trail by one game in the NL East.

Manuel did say that Martinez should return to the mound at some point during the next series for the Mets, when they host St. Louis in a three-game set starting Friday.

The 36-year-old hurler sustained the injury running the bases on July 7, an injury that hindered his delivery in his most recent start against the Colorado Rockies last Saturday. Martinez developed tightness in his right shoulder after altering his delivery and was forced to exit after the fourth inning.

A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Martinez, who missed the first two months of the season due to a left hamstring injury, is 3-2 with a 6.25 earned run average in nine starts this season.