Mets' Niese leaves start with elevated heart rate

NEW YORK (AP) Jonathon Niese has left his final start of the season with an elevated heart rate, a condition the New York Mets pitcher has dealt with before.

Niese was working on a three-hit shutout Friday night against Houston when he ducked under a throw to second base by Mets catcher Anthony Recker in the sixth inning. The left-hander bent over to stretch his arms and back after the play, bringing trainer Ray Ramirez and manager Terry Collins out of the dugout.

Following a discussion on the mound, Niese walked off the field and was replaced by Carlos Torres, who was given all the time he needed to warm up.