New York Mets closer Bobby Parnell, who underwent Sept. 10 surgery in California for a herniated disk in his neck, has been fully cleared for baseball activities.
Parnell plans to report to the Mets' Port St. Lucie, Fla., complex sometime next week for baseball workouts -- well ahead of the official Feb. 15 report date for pitchers and catchers.
After attending David Wright's wedding, Parnell stayed on the West Coast to be examined by Dr. Robert Watkins, who had performed the procedure.
Watkins cleared Parnell for full baseball activities. Parnell is expected to resume closing games for the Mets this season. He converted 22 of 26 chances last season.
"He looked terrific -- toned, strong, limber," said one person who recently saw Parnell.
Parnell had lost roughly 30 pounds while dealing with the herniated disk.