Thu Jul 17 21:23:38 2008

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Mets push back Martinez's next start

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Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - New York's Pedro Martinez will miss his next turn in the rotation after receiving a cortisone shot on Thursday to eliminate inflammation and promote healing in his right groin.

Martinez had been scheduled to start on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds, but the Mets decided to postpone his next start for at least two days.

He 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. His status will be re-evaluated following a bullpen session on Saturday.

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.