Jon Niese is ready to make his season debut Sunday.
The Mets left-hander missed time this spring with left elbow and shoulder issues. Niese pitched in a minor league game on Tuesday and threw a bullpen session on Thursday.
He said he’s ready to go.
“It’s felt great the past three or four times I’ve pitched,” Niese said. “I’m just looking forward to getting out in a regular season game.”
Mets manager Terry Collins said he will be paying close attention to how Niese throws after the injury problems.
“Due to the issues he had, obviously a lot of it is going to be arm slot,” Collins said. “Is he dropping? Does he look like he’s straining? Does it look like he’s getting stiff? It’s supposed to be a nice day so that’s going to help out. …
He threw the ball very good the other day. He says he feels absolutely great. He’s at that 90-95 pitch mark. He won’t go much over that.”
The Mets optioned infielder Wilmer Flores to Triple-A to make room for Niese on the roster.
Catcher Travis d’Arnaud had a day off Saturday after catching the first four games of the season. He has started the season 0-for-12 and Collins said he is worried about the slow start zapping his confidence.
“It certainly is a concern that if it starts to get into his head that he can’t hit at this level,” Collins said. “That’s your biggest fear is that all of a sudden someone feels they can’t do something. … You know, any time you’re off to a slow start you get frustrated.
“He hit the ball hard to the third baseman last night, and you get a little tired of guys patting you on the back. … You ask Travis, he’d rather take a jam shot up the middle over line drives at people. But he’s just got to stay with it and battle through it and continue to use the field and continue to put good swings on it, because eventually the balls are going to fall.”
Lucas Duda went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts a day after hitting two home runs. … Eric Young Jr. broke his 0-for-15 start with an infield single in the seventh inning. … Ike Davis’ game-ending grand slam was the third in team history and first since Kevin McReynolds on June 25, 1991. … The Mets’ only other pinch-hit, walk-off grand slam came on June 10, 1986 by Tim Teufel against the Phillies.