Mets Morning News: Not such a Niese start drowns Mets early on rainy Banner Day

Meet the Mets

Jon Niese continues to struggle, as the lefty got knocked around in the Mets' 11-2 loss to the Pirates. Niese says that it's not an injury affecting him but bad mechanics instead. Jordany Valdespin became the focal point late in the game after he was drilled with a pitch and then made a scene in the dugout. They may have to make a decision on what to do with him if the antics continue.

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It's HARVEY DAY! Matt Harvey faces Jeanmar Gomez in this afternoon's finale with the Pirates.

Terry Collins announced after the game that he's restoring Ike Davis to the cleanup hole from now on and he'll let the first baseman play everyday, sink or swim. The Mets desperately need Davis and Niese to get on the right track.

In the Post, Steve Serby has a Q&A with Matt Harvey.

Looks like sidearmer Greg Burke is back on his way up from Las Vegas. No word on who'll get dropped in his place but Jeurys Familia to the DL wouldn't be a surprise.

Here is the winner from Banner Day yesterday.

In the minors, Zack Wheeler tossed another excellent game, going 7.1 innings and allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits, while striking out 7 and walking 1. Meanwhile, Rafael Montero's command continues to draw rave reviews.

Yesterday At AA

Brock Mahan took a look back at May 11 in Mets history.

Daniel Convery brings you yesterday's Daily Farm Report.

Around the NL East

Three of the other four clubs in the division suffered defeat on Saturday: the Nationals lost 8-2 to the Cubs, the Giants beat the Braves 10-1, and the Marlins lost to the Dodgers 7-1. It was the Phillies who were the only team to win, beating the Diamondbacks 3-1.

Around the Majors

Is Manny Machado in the same category as Mike Trout and Bryce Harper?

Joe Posnanski writes about the "awesomeness" of Matt Harvey and Shelby Miller, and looks for the last time two young pitchers this good came onto the big league scene at the same time.

Red Sox closer Joel Hanrahan is headed under the knife with a torn flexor tendon.

Pretty nifty double play turn here by Brandon Phillips.

Scott Kazmir has somehow revived his career and he's throwing in the mid-90's.