Pedro Will Likely Miss First Half

New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez should know next week when he can start throwing.

Recovering from rotator cuff surgery, Martinez is likely to miss the first half of the season. He repeated that he's working hard at rehabilitation and expects his right shoulder to heal.

"If it doesn't, then I need to hang it up, hang it and go home because I'm not going to work any harder," he said Friday.

Martinez is due for a checkup with team doctors next week. He has been working out three-to-four hours a day and has been able to increase the weight that the shoulder can lift and resist.

"I still feel like I can do it like I can help this team get over the hump," he said.

Martinez said the rehabilitation has made him appreciate the baseball career he has had. Martinez, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is 206-92 with a 2.81 ERA and 2,998 strikeouts. Last season, he was 9-8 with a 4.48 ERA.
Source: AP