MIAMI (AP) — New York Mets left-hander Jonathon Niese has left his start against the Florida Marlins in the third inning.
The Mets trainer and manager Jerry Manuel trotted to the mound Sunday after Niese threw a first-pitch strike to Hanley Ramirez with no outs and the Mets trailing 3-0. Manuel signaled for a reliever, and Niese appeared to limp slightly as he walked to the dugout.
One pitch earlier, Niese scrambled to barehand a bunt before making an errant throw to first base, allowing a run to score.
The slumping Mets already had a vacancy in their rotation with the demotion Saturday of left-hander Oliver Perez to the bullpen.
