Dillon Gee Named Opening Day Starter

Terry Collins on Monday formally named Dillon Gee the Opening Day starter.

“It’s a big honor, obviously, for them to trust me with that day and give that to me,” Gee said according to ESPN New York. “I’m very thankful for that opportunity.”

Jonathon Niese was supposed to open the season for the Mets, but his Spring Training has been a nightmare, complete with two MRIs and just four innings pitched in two starts. He will almost certainly start the season on the disabled list and hopefully will pitch on April 6, when the Mets will finally need a fifth starter.

“It’s kind of by default, too,” Dillon Gee admitted. “Jon Niese had a few setbacks, so he can’t make Opening Day and I get it.”

Still, Gee earned it with a solid spring, pitching to a 1.69 ERA over 10.2 innings in three starts. He hasn’t walked a batter, but he has allowed 14 hits.

Dillon Gee has come a long way since almost losing his spot in the rotation two months into 2013. He rebounded with a 2.79 ERA the rest of the season, the fifth-best mark in the National League over that span.

“He had one of the best second halves in baseball last year, so it doesn’t surprise me,” David Wright said. “He deserves it. The way he finished up last year, it’s well deserved. I’m extremely happy for Dillon.”