PORT ST. LUCIE — Jon Niese reported to camp yesterday about 10 pounds lighter — after he got a nose job. The Mets lefty revealed he had the procedure done last October at the urging of former teammate Carlos Beltran, who offered to pay for the surgery.
During his pre-op consultation, Niese was told he had an abnormality in his sinus that was affecting his breathing. The abnormality was repaired, and Niese credits that for helping him lose about 10 pounds during the offseason.
“Working out just seems so much easier,” Niese said. “The surgeon told me a normal nose should be like a doorway with the door open a little bit. He explained [the problem] like it’s somebody ripped the hinges off the door and smashed it sideways into the wall. He got it all fixed up.”
Beltran, who was traded to the Giants last July, had teased Niese about the appearance of his nose to the point he decided to get the surgery. Niese said Beltran — who now plays for the Cardinals — hasn’t paid up yet, but the pitcher plans to remind him.
* Zack Wheeler isn’t going to let success go to his head.
Though the 21-year-old righty is regarded as the Mets’ top prospect, he will try to approach spring workouts as if he’s just another pitcher.
“It might be pressure to some other people, but not me,” Wheeler said. “I haven’t always been good, but I don’t feel any pressure. I think not always being good has sort of made me humble and fortunate for what I have right now.”
* Johan Santana reported no problems after throwing 25 pitches on Friday and is expected to work again from the mound today. The lefty will likely throw 30-40 pitches as he tries to build up arm strength.
* Jenrry Mejia, who underwent Tommy John surgery last May, will soon begin throwing from a mound. The right-hander isn’t expected to be ready for the start of the season. He is likely ticketed for Triple-A Buffalo upon his return.