"As Ricky Nolasco's 41st pitch of the second inning was lofted into the air for a routine out, the pitcher lowered his head and started in for the dugout before the ball was caught.

Nolasco had seen enough.

Question is, will that image of a dejected pitcher be the final snapshot of his season?

Despite dismal results while pitching on a bum knee in Saturday's 12-3 blistering loss to the Atlanta Braves, Nolasco and manager Edwin Rodriguez said the knee wasn't an issue and he will make his next start in five days.

``Just stunk,'' Nolasco said.

Said Rodriguez: ``The good news is that the knee is all right. He was throwing in the low 90s, so the arm is fine. It was the location of his pitches that was the problem.''

Pitching for the first time since being diagnosed with a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, Nolasco was shredded for six runs in a barrage of hits (seven) and walks (three) in a matter of two innings."