Niese (6-6) allowed five runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks over 4.2 innings in a loss Tuesday to the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Niese has given up four earned runs in each of his past four starts and watched his ERA rise from 3.93 to 5.07. He gave up a home run to Nelson Cruz, a two-run shot, that marks the 19th homer Niese has allowed in just 16 starts this season. Seven of those homers have come in Niese's past four starts, and if he can't figure out how to keep the ball in the yard quickly, his rotation spot will be in jeopardy.