Well, the competition for the fifth starter position seems all but over after the Mets sent Jonathon Niese to the minors today after he posted a 6.75 ERA in three Spring Training outings. Niese will start for Triple-A Buffalo.
With Tim Redding out indefinitely and Freddy Garcia being completely ineffectual, Livan Hernandez, who has pitched well and has a 3.07 ERA, seems to have the job all wrapped up.
Meanwhile, the Mets also sent down catcher Robinson Cancel and right-hander Connor Robertson. Kyle Snyder and Matt DeSalvo, both righties, and left-handers Jon Switzer, Heriberto Ruelas and Casey Fossum were reassigned to Minor League camp, according to Mets.com.
