With John Maine on the shelf, do the Mets promote Jon Niese

According to David Lennon, "John Maine, who was diagnosed with a rotator-cuff strain on Tuesday, is likely to miss Sunday's start in Houston and possibly the next one, as well."

Adam Rubin sees it differently, saying, "Maine, who has been diagnosed with a mild strain of the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, no longer is officially listed as Sunday's starter in Houston. The expectation is Oliver Perez instead will pitch on standard rest that day against the Astros.

Maine may not miss a full turn, and could re-enter the rotation as soon as Tuesday at Shea."

The Mets are planning to be safe, rather than sorry. I like it.

With Jonathan Niese's stellar start in AAA, could the Mets call him up so soon to see what he can do at the major league level? There are other options, such as Nelson Figueroa, Brian Stokes, and Tony Armas Jr., but why not Niese?

A little youth wouldn't be so bad on this squad. Plus, we've seen what Figueroa and Armas are capable of. I doubt the Mets would promote their best prospect, at a mere 21 years old, right in the middle of a pennant race. My gut says that Armas will get the call if he's ready to go.

Still, the Mets need Maine to get healthy. He's a young, solid pitcher who they have penciled into the rotation for years to come. Expect Niese to come up to the majors in September when the roster's expand.