In his final start of the season, Jon Niese reportedly cursed out manager Terry Collins after ignoring a signal.
The Daily News is reporting that in his final start of the season, left-handed pitcher Jon Niese ignored a bunt signal during an at-bat. When questioned by manager Terry Collins, Niese reportedly responded "$%@k you." He later added "take me out if you don't like it," in the third inning. He would go on to pitch into the sixth inning during that start.
Here's the full exchange, per John Harper of The Daily News:
"What the f--- was that?'' the manager demanded.
"They were coming down my throat so I tried to slash," Niese said.
"Next time get the bunt down like we told you," Collins continued.
"F--- you," Niese said to Collins. "Take me out if you don't like it."
Over the course of 187.2 innings during the season, Niese pitched to a 3.40 ERA and 3.67 FIP. That line was good for 1.6 wins according to Fangraphs. He was briefly shut down around the All-Star break due to fatigue concerns but otherwise held up for the majority of the season.
He is signed to a team-friendly contract through 2016 plus two option years. This combined with a glut of starting pitching at both the major and minor league levels, could make Niese a trade option to upgrade the offense.