Mets put starting pitcher Nieve on DL

WASHINGTON, July 20 (UPI) -- The New York Mets placed starting pitcher Fernando Nieve on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a muscle tear in his right thigh, the team said.

Nieve, who is 3-3 with a 2.95 ERA in eight games (seven starts) this season, suffered the injury trying to run out a ground ball in the second inning of Sunday's 7-1 loss at Atlanta. He is expected to be out at least six weeks.

Nieve is the ninth Mets player currently on the DL.

The Mets replaced Nieve on the roster by recalling outfielder Cory Sullivan from Triple-A Buffalo. Sullivan was hitting .290 with a pair of homers and 24 RBI with Buffalo this season.