Mets reliever Bobby Parnell threw a live batting practice session on Sunday morning at Citi Field. He is expected to come off the DL on Tuesday, which is also the day rosters expand.
Parnell who came back from Tommy John surgery last season, has been ineffective this year with a 5.59 ERA. Opponents have batted .429 against Parnell in his last 10 relief appearances and his ERA is 14.14 in that span.
The Mets reportedly gave Parnell the option of being designated for assignment, going to the minors or being placed on the DL three weeks ago and Parnell chose the DL.
While inactive, Parnell has worked with pitching coach Dan Warthen to adjust his mechanics and get his arm higher so he can avoid “pushing” the ball toward the plate.
“I feel like the ball’s coming out a lot better — a lot easier, too. I didn’t feel like I was ‘muscling’ it,” Parnell said. “The rest definitely helped.” (ESPN New York)
This is Parnell’s final season before he becomes a free agent. Despite that, he doesn’t view September as a competition to prove he belongs in the mix for next season.
“I can see how you look at that way, but I’m not going to,” Parnell said. “The goal is to get the New York Mets into the playoffs. That’s all I’m worried about.”
