Niese on paternity leave, Mets recall Verrett

NEW YORK -- With Jon Niese in Ohio celebrating the birth of his second child, Tatum Jeffery, who was born during Friday's game, the Mets made a move on Saturday to replace him for the next three days. The team recalled right-hander Logan Verrett from Triple-A Las Vegas, placing Niese on the paternity leave list.

Verrett made his Major League debut earlier this year for the Rangers, before returning to the Mets, where he posted a 0.73 ERA in six appearances spanning 12 1/3 innings. But the Mets optioned him three weeks ago to make room for Jenrry Mejia, knowing Verrett had a Minor League option to burn while struggling reliever Alex Torres did not.

Niese, who gave up six runs in three innings against the Dodgers on Friday, learning during the game that his son had been born, can remain on paternity leave for up to three days. The left-hander nearly skipped Friday's start in an attempt to be with his wife, but decided about 90 minutes before the game to pitch.