Mets suffer injury struck spell

The New York Mets who are suffering from an injury struck spell, lost another player after Nieve collapsed in the second innings of the game against the Atlanta Braves with a reported strained right quadriceps.

New York are already without Gary Sheffield due to a cramping in his right hamstring, and outfielders Carlos Beltran and Fernando Martinez, first baseman Carlos Delgado, shortstop Jose Reyes, and relievers J.J. Putz and Billy Wagner due to injuries.

Manuel expressed his urgency saying, “Where do we go from here? We have to sit down and make some decisions. We talked about that today. We feel like we still can get some things done. … We’ll have to see what’s available,” while he kept the option of Jonathon Niese for Nieve. Niese is without over 2 earned runs in any of his last 8 starts and has pitched 7 innings of two-hit, shutout ball against Toledo.

Speaking of any possible trades, Manuel said, “If some young pitcher is ready, that would be fine — unless (Roy) Halladay or some guy like that wants to come over.”

Although Nieve is set to travel to Washington on Monday, he will return to New York for an MRI. Speaking of his injury he said, “It felt pretty bad. “I’ll see the doctor tomorrow. It’s still sore. … I was trying to play 100 percent. It just happened.”