Jon Niese Back To The Mets After Brief Stint With Pirates For Antonio Bastardo

Left-handed pitcher Jonathon Niese is back with the Mets, but we certainly wouldn’t call it home. Niese had some choice words for the Mets upon being traded last December and will now have to play nice. Hopefully fans won’t have to watch Niese mope around the field for the remainder of the season. Niese was reacquired in a deal that sent relief pitcher Antonio Bastardo and cash to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

When he left New York Niese complimented the defense the Pirates play and that he was excited to be a part of that, taking a shot at the Mets’ defense. According to SB Nation, Mets manager Terry Collins said Niese’s previous comments will be addressed upon his return as he will be re-joining teammates he played with before being traded to Pittsburgh.

Niese played in the majors for the Mets for eight seasons from 2008 – 2015. He will now serve as a long relief, spot starter for the Mets. Niese has a 4.91 ERA with the Pirates and a WHIP of 1.55 in 110 innings.

Last December he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for second baseman Neil Walker. Walker still remains with the Mets and has batted .255 so far this season.

Bastardo played for the Phillies from 2007 – 2014 and was traded to the Pirates for the 2015 season. He had 46 strikeouts with a 4.74 ERA with the Mets, but last season with the Pirates he had a 2.98 ERA.

Article by Lindsey Horsting