Ken

Takahashi

Takahashi, 40, spent his entire career in Japan before heading stateside this winter. He had a 0.77 ERA in 11 2/3 innings for Buffalo and will work in middle relief.

Misch will report to Triple-A Buffalo. With only Pedro Feliciano as a weapon against lefties -- Ken Takahashi, the second lefty in the New York bullpen, is more effective against righties -- Misch could get a chance at some point this season.

The responsibility could go to a more seasoned pitcher, or perhaps prospect Jonathon Niese. When asked if Takahashi was Friday’s starter, GM Omar Minaya replied, “Right now. But that could change.” Takahashi skipped his scheduled side session on Wednesday and manager Jerry Manuel was unavailable for comment.

Niese got the nod over Ken Takahashi and a few other seasoned veterans. Niese was 0-2 with a 6.55 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Buffalo this season, but the Mets believe in his ability and wanted to give him this shot. Fantasy owners should play it a bit safer. Maybe throw him on some sort of watch list.

“Once he has success, which will be a small window, then we expand it, and we keep expanding it,” Manuel said. “That way we’ll know whether or not he can retain the focus on fundamentals for a period of time. That’s how we’ll know. It won’t be one shot down there and ‘Oh, he’s ready to start.’” Ken Takahashi is starting in his place Friday night.

The signing completes an eventful 24 hours for Takahashi, who was released by the Blue Jays earlier in the day. The 39-year-old isn’t likely to make a significant impact with the Mets even if he gets a call-up at some point this season.

Switzer will be the second lefty out of the pen. Used exclusively that way, he can help the Mets, and your bullpen ERA. The Mets need a second lefty, so he could stick around at Ken Takahashi’s expense, since Takahashi is a lefty who can’t get lefties out.

Perez, who must approve any demotion, was pulled in the third inning Saturday. “If I need it, then I have to go [to the minors], because right now I don’t help my team,” he said. The Mets will consider 40-year old lefty Ken Takahashi, currently in the bullpen, to replace Perez in the rotation.

Takahashi excelled at Triple-A, posting a 0.77 ERA in 11 2/3 innings, but he’s not stretched out for starting duties and may not be able to go very long in his first few starts. Takahashi shouldn’t be considered in most fantasy leagues, but he’s definitely an upgrade over Perez for the Mets at this point.

Perez won’t go to the minors or be shelved on the DL, after all. Ken Takahashi gets the start on Friday.