Fernando Nieve is eager to show what the Mets he can do as a starter again.
The right-hander was tabbed today as the starting pitcher for Saturday’s game in Milwaukee, replacing injured John Maine in the rotation.
“I went to spring training hoping to get a spot in the rotation and this is a chance to show them I belong,” said Nieve, who is 1-2 with a 5.09 ERA in 27 relief appearances this season.
Jerry Manuel also considered Raul Valdes for Saturday’s start. Nieve impressed the Mets by going 3-3 with a 3.12 ERA in seven starts last season before tearing a muscle in his right thigh.
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John Maine played catch for the first time since going on the disabled list Saturday and said there was no discomfort in his right shoulder.
There is no timetable for Maine (tendinitis) to begin throwing from a bullpen mound.