PITTSBURGH — Jon Niese could be facing his own version of the Joba Rules.
Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen told The Post yesterday that a discussion will be held this week about whether Niese’s innings should be limited for the remainder of this season in an effort to preserve the 23-year-old lefty’s arm.
Niese, who is scheduled to get the ball tonight against the Pirates, has pitched 133 innings this season. Warthen pointed to the 164 innings Niese pitched two years ago in the minor leagues, but refused to provide a specific target.
Niese missed much of last season after tearing his hamstring tendon and finished with 119 innings.
“You don’t want to burn [his arm] out,” Warthen said before the Mets’ 7-2 win over the Pirates.
Manager Jerry Manuel told The Post he is not a proponent of limiting innings for Niese, but he will listen to what Warthen has to say on the matter before reaching a decision.
Niese, who spent 2½ weeks on the disabled list earlier this season with a strained right hamstring, said he had not heard any talk about possibly limiting his innings.
“I think in my situation, with me being on the DL, that already shortened my season,” Niese said. “That was three starts right there.”
*
The Mets’ bullpen has pitched 15 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, dating to last Saturday, after Bobby Parnell‘s scoreless frame last night.
The bullpen has not allowed an earned run in 11 of the 15 games this month.
*
Jeff Francoeur is sporting a new mustache — after botching an attempt at a goatee — but said there is a good chance his facial hair will not survive the weekend.
Francoeur is expected to start tomorrow against Pirates lefty Zach Duke.