HOUSTON — Jonathon Niese gets another chance to prove himself to Jerry Manuel and Mets management here tonight when the young left-hander takes the mound against the red-hot Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Niese was called up briefly late last season and made two appearances earlier this year, failing to impress Manuel either time. Niese has been on a tear recently at Triple-A Buffalo, though, posting a 5-0 record and 0.72 ERA in his final five starts.

Niese, who was promoted to take the place of the injured Fernando Nieve in the rotation, has never faced the Astros. He will take on righty Russ Ortiz, who has won three of his first seven decisions this season. Here is the 44-51 Mets’ order for the 7:05 p.m. game:

Angel Pagan CF

Luis Castillo 2B

David Wright 3B

Daniel Murphy 1B

Jeff Francoeur RF

Cory Sullivan LF

Omir Santos C

Alex Cora SS

Jonathon Niese LHP (0-0, 5.91)

The 50-46 Astros will counter with:

Michael Bourn CF

Kaz Matsui 2B

Miguel Tejada SS

Carlos Lee LF

Pudge Rodriguez C

Hunter Pence RF

Chris Coste 3B

Jeff Keppinger 3B

Russ Ortiz RHP (3-4, 4.33)