When left-hander Jon Niese was diagnosed with a partial tear of his rotator cuff last month, it looked like he could be headed for surgery or miss the rest of the season, but he’s getting closer to rejoining the Mets’ rotation.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, Niese said today that he will make two more rehab starts before being activated. The southpaw gave up two runs over three innings Saturday in his first start with the GCL Mets. He’s scheduled to move up to High-A St. Lucie on Thursday, but will only need one outing after that if all goes as planned.
Niese, 26, had a 4.32 ERA and 49/33 K/BB ratio in 77 innings over 14 starts prior to the injury. He figures to bump Carlos Torres to the bullpen once he’s ready.
