FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- In the latest version of keeping up with the Joneses, the New York Mets brought up the righthanded starter and sent down the lefthanded reliever.

A major disappointment this season, Bobby M. Jones was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk today and will start tonight when the Mets open a three-game series between the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ironically, the Mets optioned Bobby M. Jones to Triple-A Norfolk of the International League today to make room on the roster.

Bobby J. Jones was given a ticket to Triple-A Norfolk after his latest poor outing on June 10 against the New York Yankees. Following two unimpressive games for Norfolk, he will get another chance in the Mets rotation.

After missing more than three months last season with bursitis and a strained right shoulder, Jones has struggled mightily this season with a 1-3 record and 10.19 ERA in eight starts. He has allowed 50 hits and 37 earned runs in 32 2/3 innings. In his two minor league starts, Jones pitched 10 innings and surrendered seven runs and 15 hits.

A 15-game winner in 1997, Jones was battered by the Yankees in a 13-5 loss on June 10, allowing seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Bobby M. Jones, acquired in the offseason from Colorado for righthanded starter Masato Yoshii, made just one appearance for the Mets and pitched a hitless inning.