"The Mets knew they were taking a risk when they signed Chris Young this winter, bringing in the former All-Star who has fought through shoulder problems. On the mound he already has paid off with two very good starts. But the red flags rose for the first time when the Mets announced Wednesday that Young was being pushed back from his scheduled start Friday to Sunday, bothered by biceps tendinitis.

Young and Mets manager Terry Collins said there was no concern, that with a rainout Tuesday and a doubleheader today that the Mets needed a spot starter for one of the games in Atlanta and they opted to give him the extra time because it was available. But after making just four starts last year, Young carefully will be watched. While the Mets described it as biceps tendinitis, he said that he felt it in his right shoulder.

"Terry said we've got some wiggle room," Young said. "We talked about it and any chance to nip it in the bud and knock it out, I said let's use the two extra days and go Sunday. But I said if we have to go Friday, if you need me Friday, I'll be ready to go.

"It's one of those things where you can let it linger and deal with it or just a couple of extra days at this point should take care of it."

Young said he first felt the problem after making his first start of the year in Philadelphia on a cold night - and by getting three hits he was on base between innings and couldn't stay warm. After a seven-inning outing Sunday he felt it after the game and the next morning, taking the day off Monday. But he is confident it's not related to prior troubles."