Mets Morning News: Niese Gets Extra Rest, Reyes Update, Bullpen NeedsHelp Now, Pelfrey As A Closer?

Jon Niese, who was scheduled to start today's game against the Phillies, will instead pitch Tuesday. Dillon Gee will get the start against Cliff Lee. The Mets decided to give Niese an extra day to rest in between starts.

Jose Reyes hopes to begin playing rehab games later this week. Reyes will most likely play for either Triple-A Buffalo of Double-A Binghamton. He will run the bases today in Philadelphia to test his hamstring.

"I don't worry about facing live pitching," Reyes said. "I just worry about my legs. I don't want to be on the field too soon and not be ready. Hamstrings are tricky. One day you feel good and the next day you try to run and blow your hamstring up."

Following Sunday's loss, manager Terry Collins essentially admitted to everyone that the bullpen is awful, saying the team needed help now, not when the rosters expand on September 1. One of the names (actually the only name) he mentioned as a potential call-up was Binghamton right-hander Josh Stinson.

According to the Daily News, the Mets have approached Mike Pelfrey about the possibility of being the team's closer next season.

"Would you be willing to be the closer next year?" Terry Collins asked the pitcher, according to someone who was briefed on, but did not witness or participate in, the conversation.

"Absolutely," Pelfrey responded.

While the article does note that this scenario is likely never going to happen, it's still a terrifying thought.