WASHINGTON -- Jenrry Mejia landing on the disabled list with elbow inflammation places Jeurys Familia next in line for closing duty, although manager Terry Collins wasn't ready to hand Familia exclusivity on the ninth-inning role just yet.
"It depends on what the situation is going to be," Collins said. "When Jeurys shows us he can get lefties out in certain situations, he'll be the guy. But we're very fortunate to have three lefties down there. If there's a case where, hey, look, we just think our best option is to bring in the lefty, we'll go there. But right now Jeurys is going to close."
Lefty batters hit .293 and righty batters hit .134 against Familia last season. So lefty Jerry Blevins could open the ninth -- or even finish it -- if it happens to be lefty-hitting Bryce Harper who is due up for the Washington Nationals during this series.
Meanwhile, Collins acknowledged the Mets were fortunate with Mejia's diagnosis. Mejia underwent MRIs and X-rays in New York on Tuesday. The team announced Mejia had inflammation, but no structural damage. Mejia received a cortisone injection and was placed on the disabled list. He was unable to enter on Opening Day because of elbow tightness and pain.
"He was very scared the other day when his elbow tightened up on him," Collins said. "We're glad that he's OK. We'll just fill in until he gets back."