NEW YORK -- Mets manager Terry Collins suggested that if Jenrry Mejia is unable to pitch on Sunday, the team will be forced to strongly consider placing the closer on the disabled list.
Jenrry Mejia
#58 RP
New York Mets
2014 STATS
- GM22
W4
L3
BB26
K54
- ERA4.53
Mejia has not pitched since getting pulled from Thursday's game with lower-back stiffness and inflammation.
Collins noted the Mets already are without Gonzalez Germen and Dana Eveland because they tossed two innings apiece Saturday and the team cannot afford to have a four-man bullpen.
• Chris Young is out of the starting lineup Sunday, but Collins offered no indication that was more than a one-day absence. The manager noted C.Y. could use a day off as a mental refresher after going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts Saturday, with his average dropping to .196. He also has a sore left foot after fouling a pitch off it.
• Collins said he expects Eric Young Jr. (right hamstring) to return from the disabled list for Monday's series opener in St. Louis, but can't be positive about it until checking with Binghamton manager Pedro Lopez about how the outfielder looked. E.Y. Jr. went a combined 0-for-6 with a walk, stolen base and two strikeouts in a doubleheader with the B-Mets on Saturday.
• Dillon Gee (strained lat) is due to step on the slope of a mound Monday for the first time since being placed on the disabled list on May 11. He is expected to visit the Mets during next weekend's series in Miami and throw for team staff. The following week should roughly be about the time Gee pitches in a minor-league game. The staff hopes Gee requires only one rehab game before being activated from the DL.
• Juan Lagares is hitting off a tee as well as running and throwing in Port St. Lucie, but Collins said he is not doing any "rigorous" baseball activity as he works his way back from a strained side muscle. That still leaves Lagares with steps to complete before entering a rehab game.