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New York Mets right-handed starting pitcher Shaun Marcum made an appearance during an extended spring training contest yesterday, logging four no-hit innings as he continues to recover from nerve inflammation in his neck, according to Marc Carig of Newsday.
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Marcum threw 41 pitches over four perfect innings of work, during which he logged five strikeouts. The 31-year-old has been sidelined for the start of the new season since suffering an injury setback related to his neck.
New York was hoping to have Marcum back by now, but the nerve inflammation caused him to be scratched from a simulated start earlier this month. Mets manager Terry Collins has said the team wants to see Marcum reach 90 pitches before being activated, meaning he'll need at least a few more starts in extended spring training or on a minor league rehab assignment.
Marcum signed with the Mets this offseason after spending 2012 with the Milwaukee Brewers. Over 21 appearances for the Brewers last year, the right-hander maintained an ERA of 3.70 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.66.