Shaun Marcum was smoked for six runs in 4 2/3 innings Friday in a loss to the Pirates.

It was a strange outing for Marcum, who had three one-two-three innings and gave up three runs in the other two. All told, he allowed nine hits (including a home run) while striking out two and walking none. He also hit two batters. The owner of an ugly 8.59 ERA, Marcum is the first pitcher in Mets' history to fail to complete five innings in each of his first three starts with the club. That's the wrong kind of history. He should be left inactive in mixed fantasy leagues for the time being.

Shaun Marcum yielded three runs in 4 1/3 innings Friday in a no-decision against the Braves.

Marcum was pulled after he allowed a bases-loaded single to Andrelton Simmons in the fifth inning. LaTroy Hawkins then allowed a game-tying sacrifice fly to Justin Upton, which closed the book on Marcum's night. The veteran right-hander gave up six hits and three walks while fanning four and now has an ugly 7.20 ERA and 8/6 K/BB ratio through his first 10 innings of work this season. We're expecting better results if healthy, but those in mixed leagues can probably afford to wait and see.

Shaun Marcum is listed as Friday's starter against the Braves.

Marcum threw 28 pitches over two innings in Monday's extra-inning loss to the Marlins, but the Mets don't plan to tinker with his schedule. Jon Niese will follow him on Saturday while Matt Harvey will pitch Sunday.

Shaun Marcum, who pitched in relief in Monday's extra inning loss, believes he'll be able to make his next start Friday against the Braves.

Marcum threw 28 pitches over two innings and took the loss in his first relief appearance since 2007. While it was surprising to see him pitch given his injury history, he said after the game that he felt really good. The Mets have an off-day on Thursday, so they could push Marcum back one day just to play things safe.

Making his first relief appearance since 2007, Shaun Marcum took the loss in the 15th inning Monday against the Marlins.

Marcum pitched a scoreless 14th and then was given a one-run lead in the top of the 15th, only to give up two runs in the bottom of the inning. It was a risky move for the Mets to call on Marcum in relief given his arm problems over the last year. He was working on one day of rest after throwing four innings in his start Saturday, so it will be interesting to see how he bounces back.

Shaun Marcum yielded three runs in four innings Saturday in his season debut against the Phillies.

Marcum was removed after four innings because the Mets had a chance to score when his spot in the lineup came up, but he probably wasn't long for the game, anyway. Showing some rust, he gave up five hits and a pair of walks while striking out three. He also uncorked a wild pitch which led to a run scoring. We're expecting better results in future outings, though his matchup against the Braves next week could be a tough one.

Mets activated RHP Shaun Marcum from the 15-day disabled list.

Marcum will make his much-delayed Mets' debut Saturday against the Phillies. He opened the season on the DL with a neck/shoulder injury and was cleared to return after throwing five scoreless innings in an extended spring game this week. Marcum will be on a limited pitch count in his first start back, but has always been an effective fantasy starter and is worth a roster spot in most leagues.

Shaun Marcum (beck) has been cleared to make his Mets debut on Saturday against the Phillies.

Marcum tossed five scoreless innings Monday in an extended spring training game and reported no abnormal pain or discomfort in his neck or shoulder on Tuesday morning. The 31-year-old right-hander has always been an effective fantasy starter when healthy and is worth grabbing in most leagues.

Shaun Marcum (neck) went five scoreless innings on Monday morning in an extended spring game.

Marcum allowed only four hits, throwing 52 pitches. As long as he wakes up Tuesday with no lingering pain or discomfort, he should be cleared to make his Mets debut on Saturday afternoon against the Phillies. Pick him up now in standard mixed fantasy leagues.

Shaun Marcum (neck) tossed four scoreless innings Thursday in an extended spring training game.

Marcum allowed no hits and struck out four minor league batters. He threw only 41 pitches, though, and will need to work his way up to 90 before the Mets activate him from the disabled list. The 31-year-old right-hander is aiming to debut by the end of this month.

Shaun Marcum (neck) will not be ready to join the Mets' rotation this weekend.

There had been reports that he could start on Sunday, but Marcum instead will throw 3-4 innings in extended spring training on Thursday. The veteran right-hander still seems likely to be ready to return before the end of the month.

Shaun Marcum (neck) could join the Mets' rotation on April 21.

Marcum threw a two-inning simulated game on Saturday and is next slated for a five-inning sim game. If that goes well, it sounds like he could skip a rehab assignment and be thrust into the Mets' rotation. The veteran right-hander dealt with shoulder and neck issues during spring training and probably doesn't have much stamina built up, but he could be ready to give 5-6 innings a week from now.

Shaun Marcum (neck) is scheduled to throw a two inning simulated game on Saturday in Port St. Lucie.

If all goes well, he'll then progress to a five inning simulated game, and then to a minor league rehab start with High-A St. Lucie. Assuming no setbacks, Marcum could be set to return to the Mets' rotation after a week of so.

Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the Mets expect Shaun Marcum (neck) to be ready for activation from the disabled list "relatively quickly."

Marcum, who has dealt with shoulder pain that has more recently made its way up to his neck, will throw two innings in a simulated game in a couple of days. He'll then throw five innings after that, likely in a rehab game for High-A St. Lucie, before possibly being activated. It sounds like the Mets will only need Aaron Laffey for one more start.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Monday that Shaun Marcum (neck) has begun playing catch.

Marcum was diagnosed with nerve inflammation in his neck following an MRI on last Thursday and received "trigger point injections" to help alleviate the issue. While he's beginning to ramp up his throwing program, he has a long way to go. Aaron Laffey started in his place on Sunday, but he's no lock to keep a rotation spot.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Sunday that, in a best-case scenario, Shaun Marcum (neck) would return in mid- to late-April.

It's possible his rehab could drag into May, as the Mets just aren't sure how fast he'll recover from nerve inflammation in his neck. "We don't know," Collins said. "It's hard to say. If Shaun comes back pretty fast, I would think it's going to be a couple weeks. You're looking at maybe two to three starts." Marcum has yet to resume baseball activities and hasn't thrown a bullpen session in over two weeks, so he'll have to build up some arm strength after he gets healthy.

Shaun Marcum was diagnosed with nerve inflammation in his neck following an MRI on Thursday.

Marcum was given "trigger point injections" in the neck and is currently considered day-to-day. He's resting for 48 hours, but it's not clear when he'll resume throwing. The Mets were hoping that he would be ready to make his season debut Sunday against the Marlins, but that assignment will likely go to Aaron Laffey.

Shaun Marcum (biceps, neck) is scheduled to be examined by a doctor on Thursday in New York.

Marcum was scratched from a scheduled simulated game on Tuesday because of pain that is running from his neck to his right shoulder. He was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with biceps tendinitis and has already been ruled out for his first turn in the Mets' rotation. Aaron Laffey is expected to fill in.

Shaun Marcum (biceps) was scratched from a scheduled simulated game Tuesday due to neck pain.

It doesn't seem like a big setback, but he's not going to be ready for his scheduled start Sunday now. Aaron Laffey is expected to fill in for him against the Marlins, though a 40-man roster move would be needed for that to happen. If Marcum is able to throw a simulated game later this week, he should be able to return from the DL sometime next week.

Shaun Marcum (neck) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Tuesday at the Mets' spring training complex.

If the outing goes well, Marcum will be cleared to start Sunday against the Marlins. The right-hander logged only 9 2/3 innings this spring in the Grapefruit League because of neck discomfort, but the injury is not considered serious. He remains a risky fantasy option in 2013.