ATLANTA — Getting Bobby Parnell back early in the season once seemed like just a luxury for the New York Mets. That’s not the case now, though.
With the 80-game drug suspension of Jenrry Mejia, the veteran reliever is needed sooner rather than later.
The Mets’ bullpen suffered a blow with the loss of Mejia for half the season after he tested positive for the steroid Stanozolol.
“We’re very disappointed. I mean, extremely disappointed,” Mets manager Terry Collins said after the suspension was announced Saturday. “We came into this whole thing in spring training with huge expectations and the back end of our bullpen being very, very strong.
“So we’re all shocked and disappointed. … We’ll have to regroup and get through the next 80 games with somebody else.”
Jeurys Familia, who got his first save on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves, had already temporarily taken over as the closer when Mejia had to go on the disabled list Tuesday with a tender elbow. Now the Mets need a longer-term solution.
Mejia began last season in the starting rotation, but moved to the bullpen when Parnell had to undergo Tommy John elbow surgery in April and converted 28 saves in 31 chances.
Parnell and Vic Black (shoulder) have been pitching in extended spring training games and are scheduled to begin minor league rehab assignments soon.
Collins, though, said the Mets won’t rush either to compensate for Mejia’s loss.
“Yes, we’re in a situation where we certainly can use Bobby Parnell and Vic Black,” the manager said. “But there’s a process that they’ve got to go through to get ready. We’ll abide by that.”
Mets players learned of Mejia’s suspension just a few hours before Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
“It’s obviously disappointing. Not only do you cost yourself 80 games and don’t get paid, but you’re hurting everybody in here,” Mets captain David Wright said.
“You’re letting down your teammates. That probably means just as much if not more than hurting yourself.”