SAN FRANCISCO — Jon Niese’s season will resume.
The Mets left-hander received “positive news” yesterday, according to assistant general manager John Ricco, when a follow up MRI exam in New York revealed no further damage to his shoulder. Niese was placed on the disabled list
2 1/2 weeks ago with a partial tear of the left rotator cuff.
“Basically the new MRI showed the inflammation is gone and the fluid is out of his shoulder,” Ricco said before the Mets faced the Giants last night. “He has normal wear and tear in his shoulder, but otherwise it looks pretty good.”
Niese has been cleared to resume throwing and was on his way to Port St. Lucie yesterday to begin workouts. Ricco said he expects Niese back on a mound within “a few” weeks and to rejoin the Mets this season.
* Shaun Marcum was examined in St. Louis, but Ricco said the team won’t have an update on the right-hander’s condition until tomorrow. Marcum has been bothered by numbness in his right hand and tingling sensations. He underwent an MRI on his upper back last week.
Manager Terry Collins said he will skip Marcum’s turn in the rotation, meaning Matt Harvey would pitch Saturday in Pittsburgh instead of Sunday. But Collins said if Harvey throws 115-120 pitches against the Pirates, that would probably eliminate him from appearing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. But Collins is waiting to hear what NL manager Bruce Bochy has planned for Harvey — a potential starter in the All-Star game — before making a decision.
* Josh Satin will start at first base tonight against Giants lefty Barry Zito, according to Collins.