Niese gave up six runs (four earned) on six hits and a walk over 6.1 innings Thursday in a loss to the Cubs. The Mets needed a strong performance in this one to avoid a sweep, and for the first third of the game, it looked like they were getting it -- Niese was perfect in his first time through the order, and the Mets had hit three solo home runs. But the lefty gave up a homer to Dexter Fowler in the fourth, and then a defense-aided rally in the fifth turned his day ugly. This was kind of a course-correction game for Niese, who's been getting lucky in terms of ERA (he entered with a sparkling 1.95 mark), but a poor WHIP (1.43). Well, on Thursday, his ERA went up to 2.49 and his WHIP went down to 1.38 -- and you have to imagine there's more course correcting to come. He'll have a tough duel on his hands against Michael Wacha and the Cardinals on Tuesday.

Niese pitched well Saturday, grabbing a win in a seven inning, two unearned run performance against the Phillies Saturday. Niese has quietly had a fantastic start for the Metropolitans as he lowered his ERA below two with another strong performance. Niese will look to build off this strong start when he faces the Cubs next Friday.

Niese allowed one run on nine hits and a walk while striking out five while falling 1-0 Saturday to the Nationals. Niese was able to dance in-and-out of trouble most of the game but his propensity for putting runners on hurt him in the second when Washington scored the only run of the frame. It was a fairly solid rebound start for Niese after struggling last week against the Yankees, though the WHIP still needs to come down substantially.

Niese struck out five and walked four while holding the Braves to one run on four hits over 6.2 innings Wednesday in a winning effort. He's now 2-0 on the young season, while Niese has also benefited from facing the Braves (twice) and the Phillies in his first three starts. The peripherals (11:8 K:BB, 20 hits allowed) suggest that the 1.50 ERA he's posted through 18 innings is bound to rise. Niese will make a road start against the Yankees on Sunday his next time out.

Niese improved to 1-0 in Wednesday's win over Philadelphia, giving up justone run on nine hits over 6.1 innings. He struck out four and walked two. Nurse put a few too many men on base in this one, but he worked out of trouble when he needed to and even helped his own cause with an RBI single. The perpetually underrated lefty should be a solid fantasy asset -- especially in head-to-head eagues -- as long as he can stay healthy for a Mets team that's shaping up to be pretty good.

Niese said he has dealt with some shoulder fatigue this spring, the New York Daily News reports. Niese said the fatigue improved once he tweaked his delivery, but it's still a bit concerning that he's already talking about problems with his arm. While he posted a 3.40 ERA in 30 starts last season, the lefty recently admitted that he dealt with shoulder pain early in the year. The Mets were reportedly disappointed by the trade market for Niese this offseason, due largely to concerns about his injury history. On the other hand, Niese should be fine for the start of the season, and he has a bit more breathing room in a deep pitching organization, now that Zack Wheeler (elbow) needs Tommy Jon Surgery.

Niese allowed one run on three hits and struck out six in four innings against the Cardinals on Thursday. Niese threw 46 of his 67 pitches for strikes. He likely will have three more starts this spring, increasing his pitch count in each start until he approaches 100 by the third start. Niese has not had any issues with his arm, which was a problem last year, and will be counted on a bit more heavily with Zack Wheeler lost for the year.

Niese faced the minimum over two innings in an intrasquad Tuesday, showing good life on his fastball, ESPN New York reports. Niese's shoulder, which sidelined him last year, has not been an issue so far this sporing. Manager Terry Collins said he can easily tell that Niese's shoulder is doing fine, since arm slot is higher and his arm speed is better this spring training.

Niese, whose pitching shoulder was so bad that he says he "probably should've missed the first month of the season," is fully healthy and ready for the season, the NY Daily News reports. Niese is the sole lefty in the Mets' rotation, which boasts eight pitchers for five spots, so his spot looks secure. But Steven Matz is ascending and could challenge for a spot by mid-year, possibly making Niese, signed for two more years with two club options, expendable.

Niese's injury history has reduced the level of interest in him as a possible trade option by the Mets, the NY Daily News' Andy Martino reports. Niese is slated to make $7, $9, $10, $11 million annually through 2018, with the final two years as club options, which on the face of it should be a trade friendly contract. However, his elbow and shoulder injuries has reduced interest in him, as the Mets look to possibly deal from their starting pitching depth to fill other holes.