KISSIMMEE – Jonathan Niese struggled a bit in his one inning of work today before the Mets-Astros game ended up being rained out.

Niese, battling for the fifth starter’s spot, retired the first two Houston hitters in the game’s opening inning. But he then allowed three straight singles to Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee and Pedro Feliz to give up a run.

One full inning was all the teams got in before it was rained out. The start of the game was also delayed by rain.

Niese wasn’t sure when he would next pitch. It won’t be tomorrow, as Mike Pelfrey will start against the Nationals.