Shaun Marcum has nerve inflammation in neck

Shaun Marcum's next injury-related status check comes in 48 hours. That's when the pitcher is expected to resume activity after the Mets announced Thursday that an MRI revealed nerve inflammation in his neck. He is listed as day-to-day.

Marcum was scheduled to return to the team's facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla. after coming to New York to be examined. He underwent trigger point injections, which are used to manage muscle pain.

Marcum had been scheduled to come off the disabled list to start against the Marlins on Sunday, but lefty Aaron Laffey is expected to be called up to pitch in his place. Marcum has been sidelined since March 16 with a right shoulder impingement and neck pain, though he's listed on the disabled list with what the team called a right biceps strain.

A source said the Mets showed little interest in a reunion with Chris Young. The 33-year-old righty, who spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons with the Mets, signed a minor-league deal with the Nationals.

Extra bases

Terry Collins said outfielders Mike Baxter and Kirk Nieuwenhuis will start at least one game during this weekend's series with the Marlins. He also wants the same for Jordany Valdespin . . . John Buck has homered twice in his first three games with the Mets. If he has his way, his hot streak will continue Friday night against his former team, the Marlins. "Revenge? No,'' Buck said about finding motivation. . . . Top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler, 22, was pulled with one out in the fourth inning Thursday night after throwing 86 pitches in his first game for Triple-A Las Vegas. He allowed two runs, three hits and three walks and struck out three against Sacramento. With fellow prospect Travis d'Arnaud calling the pitches behind the plate, Wheeler struggled with his command, leading to his elevated pitch count.