Note: Niese likely to Start in Place of Maine
Now that John Maine has been put on the 15–day disabled list, the Mets announced that Oliver Perez will start on Friday against the Marlins, while Mike Pelfrey will pitch on Saturday.
Meaning, the Mets will not need an additional starter, to replace Maine, until Tuesday, September 2 against the Brewers.
Prior to yesterday’s game, Omar Minaya told reporters that the team will consider using Triple-A LHP Jon Niese in place of Maine, while also mentioning that Brian Stokes, as well as Triple-A RHP Robert Parnell and RHP Nelson Figueroa, could be considered as well.
That said, according to a report in Newsday, citing ‘person familiar with the club’s thinking,’ Niese is most likely to be the pitcher called upon to start in place of Maine.
In six starts for Triple-A this season, Niese is 5–1 with a 3.65 ERA.
I’m hoping for Niese, because I feel his left-handedness and curve ball will work well, at least in the short term, against a team that has yet to face him.
If not Niese, I would go with Figueroa, since I would prefer the Mets leave Stokes in the bullpen, where they continue to need help in the absence of Billy Wagner.
