According to David Lennon of New York Newsday (click here for the post) says that a “team official pretty much confirmed last night that Jon Niese will start Tuesday against the Brewers after he was lifted from Friday’s game in New Orleans after 2 2/3 innings”. He threw 65-pitches in that outing, giving up 0 runs on 1 hit and 2 walks, striking out 1.
Since being promoted to Triple A, Niese has made 7 starts going 5-1 with a 3.40 ERA over 39.2 innings. He’s allowed 34 hits and 14 walks, striking out 32.
Overall in the minors this season he’s 11-8 with a 3.13 ERA over 164 innings. He has pitched to a solid 1.28 WHIP while striking out 144. I’ve given you my skepticism on him in the past, but I have been surprised with the way he’s thrown thus far at Triple A. He should not be seen as a huge prospect, but he’s the best the Mets have right now and it should be interesting to see what he does against the high-powered Brewers line-up. I certainly wouldn’t use him for this first start, but if he pitches well and sticks in the rotation, he could prove usable down the stretch pitching for a contender.
He’s worth the flyer in keeper leagues and the deepest of mixed leagues, but only as a reserve at this point.
