Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
UPDATED
This is not good news for Mets fans…
Mets: Jon Niese was removed from the game after two innings and 35 pitches because of "left elbow discomfort."
— Anthony Rieber (@AnthonyRieber) March 16, 2014
The New York Mets did not need this to happen. Jon Niese was to be their Opening Day starter. Now, it could be Bartolo Colon or Dillon Gee in that role if Niese is unavailable. Andy Martino from The New York Daily News tweeted that Niese would head to New York this evening in order to have a MRI performed.
What’s interesting, maybe even puzzling is this…
Niese left with left elbow discomfort, was wearing neoprene sleeve on arm the past few days. #Mets
— Kristie Ackert (@ByKristieAckert) March 16, 2014
Recall that earlier this spring Niese was sent to NY for a MRI due to a left shoulder issue. At that time, he was diagnosed with muscle weakness near the scapula. As Adam Rubin of ESPN New York points out, if a pitcher is experiencing shoulder issues, he could alter his mechanics, potentially having an adverse effect on the elbow.
That’s all the Mets would need. Another pitcher with elbow issues. They’re already going to be without Matt Harvey for at least the bulk of the 2014 season, if not the entire campaign. Losing Niese, if there are any significant issues with his elbow, would deal yet another harsh blow to the club.
UPDATE:
This just hit my Twitter timeline…
Niese can resume throwing in 48-72 hours; MRI exam on his elbow was negative.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) March 17, 2014
This isn’t just good news…it’s great news.