NEW YORK -- The herniated disk in Vic Black's neck caused his fastball velocity to drop to 88 mph during his rehab assignment, but he will not require surgery, the Mets right-hander said Wednesday.
"That doesn't seem to be a thought," said Black, who is back in New York consulting a nerve specialist. "The rest, right now, is what they're recommending."
No timetable has been set for Black's return. A clearer picture should be available when he is re-evaluated next week. Black was pulled from a rehab assignment at Double-A Binghamton over the weekend after complaining of continuing shoulder soreness.