My last two posts have focused on the Mets’ unending stream of injuries and, guess what, it’s only gotten worse… The team has battled onward, however, and has gotten some great pitching. And now with the news that Jose Reyes will be out until at least the All Star Break and reliever JJ Putz needs surgery on his throwing elbow, the Mets’ starting pitching will have to continue to carry the team.

In that light, I came across this interesting article on John Maine. According to the article, Maine has pitched much better this season than you would believe from looking at his stat line (4.52 ERA and 42:34 strikeout-to-walk ratio); or he’s at least pitched better if you don’t count his first 15 pitches. On these first pitches, opponents are hitting .357 against Maine. After those 15 pitches, Maine’s batting average against drops abruptly to .209. If the Mets hope to stay in contention, they will need Maine to figure out how to stop these slow starts.

The Mets next series begins Tuesday night at 7:10 PM against Philadelphia. JA Happ will take the mound for the first place Phillies and face Mets’ ace Johan Santana in the opening game of a three game series.