The Daily411 jinx

Sporting Goods

You've heard of the SI jinx, let's add the Daily411 jinx to the mix.

While completing a seventh-inning pitch, Victor Zambrano felt discomfort in his left hamstring and departed yesterday's 9-6 loss to the Cardinals. Mets brass instructed rookie Brian Bannister to be prepared to take Zambrano's start Wednesday against the Nationals at Shea, though the Mets have yet to officially scratch Zambrano.

"I felt something in my hamstring, so I just preferred to get out of the game," Zambrano said. "It wasn't in a bad spot. It was right in the middle."

Zambrano was charged with six earned runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings, but was pitching with the residual effects of a flu-type illness that made its way through the clubhouse. He had entered his final spring appearance with a 0.82 ERA and only two walks in 11 innings.

Good job by both Sergio and me. (See this post and comments for info.)