Niese OK after heart irregularity

Mets pitcher Jonathon Niese was checked by doctors Monday and said he was OK after experiencing an irregular heartbeat while running the bases in his win against the Cardinals on Sunday night at Citi Field.

Niese said he expects to have a procedure called an ablation at the All-Star break, but doesn’t expect to miss any playing time.

Niese felt the same thing with his heart during a game last year and later wore a heart monitor on the bench. Extra rest: Mets left-hander Johan Santana will be given two extra days off after throwing 134 pitches Friday in his no-hitter against the Cardinals. That means his next start will come Friday at Yankee Stadium in the opener of the Subway Series. Padres get pitcher: San Diego signed right-handed pitcher Ross Ohlendorf to a majorleague contract and designated right-hander Matt Palmer for assignment. Ohlendorf had exercised an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract with the Red Sox after going 4-3 with a 4.61 ERA in 10 starts for Triple-A Pawtucket.

Over parts of five seasons with the Yankees and Pirates, he is 14-28 with a 4.77 ERA. Briefly: The Twins shut down right-handed pitcher Carl Pavano and placed him on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain and reinstated right-hander Nick Blackburn to start Wednesday’s game. … Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew will join Triple-A Reno this week for what could be the last step in his comeback from a severe ankle injury nearly 11 months ago. … Indians catcher Carlos Santana homered for Class-A Lake County as he began his minorleague rehab from a May 25 concussion.