Niese declares himself 'completely normal'

NEW YORK -- Left-hander Jon Niese rejoined his teammates Wednesday at Citi Field in preparation for his Sunday start against the Reds.

Niese deemed himself "completely normal" after throwing 80 pitches in a Minor League game Tuesday, and expects to give the Mets as many as 95 pitches in his season debut. He began this season on the disabled list with left elbow discomfort.

Though Niese missed significant time this spring with left elbow and shoulder issues, and after sitting out nearly two months last season with a partially torn left rotator cuff, he is not concerned that issues will keep resurfacing.

"I'm not worried at all," Niese said. "I've got a good workout routine. I'm not worried. It's all behind me."