PHILADELPHIA -- Former closer Bobby Parnell confirmed Monday that the New York Mets offered him options including being designated for assignment or accepting a minor league assignment a week ago. The DFA essentially would have resulted in Parnell's release. Parnell instead elected to be placed on the disabled list on Aug. 18.

He joined the Mets in Philadelphia on Monday and expects to be activated after the required 15-day term on the DL has expired.

Parnell is a free agent after the season and appears unlikely to return.

As he works back from Tommy John surgery that was performed on April 8, 2014, Parnell has struggled of late. He had a 14.14 ERA and opponents were hitting .429 against him in his final 10 appearances before he elected to be placed on the DL over the other options.

Parnell also underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck on Sept. 10, 2013.

"It's been a long two years. I'm dragging a little bit," Parnell said. "I was hoping I could take my break in November. It came a little earlier."