The Mets are more concerned about a shoulder issue Jon Niese is dealing with rather than a sore back that forced him from Friday's start. Niese was hit by a line drive in back during Friday's outing, forcing him to exit after just 12 pitches. However, he's apparently been battling a shoulder issue that's caused a dip in velocity in recent starts. No official announcement has been made, but the Mets are expected to place the left-hander on the DL. "He's got a bruise and he's talked about some other issues," manager Terry Collins said Saturday. "We'll see how he is tomorrow when it's time for him to throw again." Niese dealt with shoulder weakness in spring training and missed nearly two months last season with a partially torn rotator cuff.