MRI on Mets' Niese shows no shoulder problems

Jon Niese was scratched from his first spring start due to shoulder pain, but his MRI came up clean.

Jeff Roberson/AP

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The New York Mets say an MRI on pitcher Jon Niese's ailing left shoulder did not show any major problems.

Projected to be the Mets' opening-day starter, Niese had been scratched from his opening exhibition start, against Houston next Tuesday, and replaced by Zack Wheeler.

Mets manager Terry Collins says the club will have Niese back on the mound, "as soon as we can."

"There's no shoulder problems at all," Collins said Thursday. "He's got some weakness in his scap (scapula) area that is minor. They think in a few days he'll be back and ready to go. It was very, very good news."

Niese was sent back to New York for the MRI on Wednesday after he complained of shoulder pain.

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