Report: Mets’ Shaun Marcum has an impingement in his throwing shoulder

New York Mets starting pitcher Shaun Marcum has an “impingement” in his right shoulder and will sit out the next several days after having a cortisone shot, according to the New York Post‘s Mike Puma.

General manager Sandy Alderson told Puma that the shot was “largely precautionary” and Marcum is not expected to go on the disabled list.

The Mets signed Marcum to a one-year, $4-million deal in January, looking to add a veteran right-hander to their rotation.

But the 31-year-old, who spent his seven MLB seasons with the Blue Jays and Brewers, has experienced durability issues during his career, reaching the 200-innings mark just once and suffering elbow problems last season.

Shaun Marcum had a cortisone shot in right shoulder yesterday. Will be skipped in rotation. More to come …—
Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) March 20, 2013

Mets are saying Marcum has an "impingement" and will back off pitching for a few days.—
Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) March 20, 2013

Sandy Alderson said Marcum's cortisone shot was "largely precautionary" and he isn't expecting DL for Marcum at this point.—
Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) March 20, 2013

Marcum has allowed five runs on 10 hits in 9.2 innings (4.66 ERA) in three starts this spring training, striking out just two batters.

Veteran lefties Johan Santana and Jonathan Niese and young righties Dillon Gee and Matt Harvey are expected to round out the Mets’ rotation, though Santana has also been slow to regain his health.