It was Fernando Nieve to the Mets’ rescue once again Friday night as the unheralded right-hander was strong once again in a much-needed, 5-3 win over the Rays at Citi Field. Colleague Jay Greenberg writes that Frankie Rodriguez, who bounced back with a save after his meltdown Thursday in Baltimore, is successful because he has a short memory.

All eyes will be on Johan Santana today as the Mets’ struggling ace tries to bounce back from last Sunday’s disaster in The Bronx.

In the notes, the Mets’ odd decision to promote Nick Evans in place of Fernando Martinez is explained.