The New York Mets announced that LHP Jon Niese will undergo arthroscopic surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery tomorrow to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee. Mets Team Physician Dr. Struan Coleman will perform the procedure.
Niese, 29, said he has been dealing with pain in his knee since June, but felt no pain warming up in the bullpen before Tuesday’s start against the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, in the first inning he felt a pop in his knee after the second batter, and then experienced a shooting pain down his left leg, eventually prompting his removal from the game after facing just four batters by Terry Collins.
“It progressively got worse and worse,” said Niese, who likely ends his second tenure with the Mets with an 11.45 ERA in six appearances. “Every pitch, there was just a sharp, shooting pain down my leg. … I’ve got to get it fixed. I can’t keep going out there like that.”
For now, rookie right-hander Robert Gsellman will take Niese’s next turn in the rotation this Sunday. Gsellman threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief after Niese left the game on Tuesday.
The Mets recalled RHP Erik Goeddel to take Niese’s spot on the 25-man roster. He will pitch out of the bullpen.
