Niese Activated, Hefner Demoted (DL Likely)

Prior to today’s game against the Diamondbacks, the Mets activated Jonathon Niese from the disabled list and demoted Jeremy Hefner to AAA Las Vegas. Niese, who has been out for nearly 2 months with a shoulder injury, will start today’s series finale.
Aug. 9, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: New York Mets pitcher Jeremy Hefner throws in the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Even though Hefner was technically demoted, general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters that there’s “sufficient evidence” for the Mets to believe that Hefner will land on the disabled list. Alderson also said that it’s likely that Hefner’s injury had an impact on his recent poor performances. Hefner is scheduled to meet with team doctors in the coming days.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, the Mets will go with a five man rotation for the time being. Still, Alderson noted that Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler should be able to make it through the rest of the season with the team utilizing spot starters at times.
After the move was announced, Hefner told Adam Rubin that the injury he’s been dealing with is to his elbow, and that it’s a combination of “pain, soreness, and inflammation.”
Thanks for reading! Be sure to Like Rising Apple’s Facebook page and follow @RisingAppleBlog on Twitter to keep up with the latest news, rumors, and opinion.