PHOENIX -- Jonathon Niese ignored a bunt signal and told his manager "[expletive] you" when questioned about it during the southpaw's final start of the season, the Daily News reported.

"Take me out if you don’t like it," Niese reportedly added during the third inning of a game he ultimately pitched into the sixth inning.

#49 SP

New York Mets

2014 STATS

GM 30

W9

L11

BB45

K138

ERA 3.40

Niese and Collins clashed on the mound multiple times during the year over the timing of his removals from games, although Collins has said those instances were about fighting to stay in the game and he liked that competitive spirit.

“I have zero problem with Jon Niese’s competitiveness,” Collins told the newspaper on Wednesday.

Despite being the lone southpaw until Steven Matz is ready for the majors, Niese may get traded this offseason, because the Mets have an extra starter with Matt Harvey returning. Team officials consistently have told ESPNNewYork.com that they will make Dillon Gee, Bartolo Colon and Niese available and see which commands the most relative to his internal value.

Niese went 9-11 with a 3.40 ERA in 30 starts and logged 187 2/3 innings this past season. Still, his average fastball velocity was 88.5 mph, down 1.7 mph from the previous season, which raises questions about the long-term durability of his shoulder.

Niese does have a relatively team-friendly contract, which he originally signed to bargain away his arbitration years. He is owed $7 million in 2015, $9 million in 2016, then has two team options, at $10 million and $11 million.