Not a lot has gone right for the Mets this season, but if there has been one constant bright spot, it has been the pitching of Jon Niese.
To be fair, Dillon Gee would get props here as well, but he unfortunately had to go on the disabled list for a short stretch (and he could be out two more starts, as he has yet to pitch off a mound). Otherwise, he was perhaps the most consistent Mets’ pitcher prior to going down with an lat injury.
However, you gotta give a lot of credit to Niese, though. As he has stayed healthy and been the true anchor in the Mets rotation. When the Mets have needed a lift, they have gotten it from Niese, as he has come through time and time again this year.
After the Mets dropped two straight to the Dodgers and looking pretty lifeless in the process, Niese came in to save the day. Niese pitched a quality outing (7 innings pitched with three runs allowd on four hits and three walks while striking out five batters), while getting enough offense and Jenrry Mejia locking it down in the ninth to pick up his third win of the season.
While the wins are not high, consider the fact that he has seven quality outings in his nine starts. In fact, he has not given up more than three runs in any of his starts and has also gone at least 5 and 2/3 innings in each start except one. He has been the definition of consistency and dependability.
Sure, he wont wow you with his stuff like Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler or a Noah Syndergaard will, but just like Gee, he just continues to get the job done.
Niese is now 3-3 on the year to go along with a 2.70 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. He also has 43 K’s to just 15 walks in 56 and 2/3 innings pitched. After overcoming some shoulder problems last year and elbow issues earlier in the spring, Niese is starting to really get it in gear again.
While he is no No. 1 pitcher or perhaps even a No. 2, he is a force in the middle of the rotation and he has been the rock the Mets have relied on to somewhat stay afloat. There is not telling where the Mets would be if Niese wasn’t pitching this well.
If Niese can keep this up, maybe he can be part of the all-star team in July. For now, though Mets fans should be thankful we have him around and that he is in good health.
Follow me on Twitter @Stacdemon
In the Game Chatters a couple of days ago i pondered that Niese was more underrated than Gee this year due to Gee starting Opening Day and Niese starting a week later and technically not on the Opening Day roster. He’s rock steady, as he’s working on a streak of 14 games with 3 ER’s or less. He gives you a chance to win every time out.
I agree totally with all but one comment in your article – Jon Niese does wow me with his stuff, much more than Zack Wheeler! He is, has been and will always be my number one on this staff. He is calm, poised, and professional. Gotta luv him!
Editor’s Note – Please do not capitalize words in your post, as it is a violation of our Comment Policy.
We are getting more than I would have hoped for with Niese. I hope he stays healthy, and keeps up the great work!