Mets place Niese on DL with left shoulder strain

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets have placed left-hander Jonathon Niese on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder strain.

Manager Terry Collins said Sunday before the Mets played the Texas Rangers that they have noticed some drop-off in the crispness of his pitches because he has a tired shoulder.

The Mets recalled reliever Buddy Carlyle from Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday, a likely placeholder for Dillon Gee. The right-hander has been on the disabled list since May 11 because of a strained lat muscle.

With the All-Star break starting after games next Sunday, Niese should miss only one start. The Mets hope the rest will help him have a strong second half in a similar fashion to his return from the DL last season.

Niese has been the team's most reliable starter this season, going 5-4 with a 2.96 ERA in 17 starts.

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