MIAMI — Daniel Murphy in an opposing uniform has already become old hat, but the Mets aren’t done with their Class of 2015 reunion tour.
The next stop is Pittsburgh, where Jon Niese is scheduled to pitch against the Mets on Monday at PNC Park.
“It’s going to be weird — he looks weird on TV — so it’s definitely going to be weird when he’s pitching against us,” Wilmer Flores said after the Mets lost 1-0 to the Marlins on Sunday. “But we kind of have an idea of what he’s got, so it’s going to be interesting.”
Niese told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review he’s excited to face the Mets.
“Our senses are going to be heightened,” Niese said. “They’re going to want me, I’m gonna want them. But it’s all about execution.”
The Mets traded Niese to the Pirates on Dec. 9 in a deal for Neil Walker, who has emerged as an important piece of the lineup. Niese, who is 5-2 with a 4.36 ERA, has added depth to a Pirates rotation that has largely underachieved this season.
Walker was available in the deal because he was entering his final arbitration year and could become a free agent following the 2016 season.
Manager Terry Collins said it appears to be a trade that has benefited both teams.
“Certainly looks like it on our side for sure,” Collins said, referring to Walker’s 13 home runs. “Neil has come in and played absolutely great for us and I know Jon has gotten off to a good start for them, so I am sure both teams are happy with the way it has turned out.”
Walker, a Pittsburgh native who was drafted by the Pirates in 2004, will have his own reunion, returning to PNC Park.
“It will be emotional,” Walker said. “Certainly, you spend 12 years of your life in one spot, it’s going to be strange to come back and be not on the home, but on the visiting side. It’s going to be a quick three days I think.”
Walker built a new house just north of Pittsburgh last offseason and is looking forward to spending time there with his family. And he wouldn’t expect Pirates fans to direct any venom toward him at the ballpark.
“I feel like I gave my all in Pittsburgh the time I was there,” he said. “I was on a lot of winning teams and made a lot of strides individually and as a group, so hopefully it’s received well.”