When Moises Alou was back in the lineup on the heals of heading for an MRI on a banged up shoulder, Mets fans breathed a sigh of relief. Well it sure was short-lived, wasn’t it?

Apparently, Alou not only received an MRI on his shoulder on Tuesday, but also one on his left knee. The exam revealed arthritis in the knee joint and a slightly torn meniscus. Alou wore a knee brace during last night’s game in Arizona, however he was replaced by pinch runner Endy Chavez in the sixth inning after complaining of swelling. According to Newsday, the veteran left fielder suggested that it’s possible he could need the knee drained or even a cortisone shot.

My understanding is that cortisone injections can weaken ligaments and cartilage. Probably not the best idea for a guy with a torn meniscus…