Despite getting tagged for a solo homerun on pitch that caught too much of the plate, Jeurys Familia quickly regrouped and earned his MLB leading 11th save of the season in last night’s 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
In 14.1 innings pitched, Familia has a 0.56 WHIP and 1.88 ERA with 17 strikeouts.
Familia has paired his excellent sinker with a lethal slider that he can now throw consistently for strikes. The combination has transformed Familia into a dominating shutdown reliever and he has flourished in the Mets closer role.
Matt Ehalt of the Record, recounts how Familia responded when he was first approached about replacing Jenrry Mejia as the closer after he was suspended.
When Terry Collins told Jeurys Familia he would be taking over as the team’s closer, Familia had a succinct message for his manager.
“Just give me the ball,” Familia recalled.
In addition to being perfect in save situations, Ehalt points out how stingy Familia has been, allowing just one run and two hits over 10 2/3 innings pitched in those save opportunities.
“I’m happy with what I’m doing so far,” Familia said. “At the same time, I feel happy for the team and appreciate them giving me the opportunity to be the closer. I feel great.”
It’s amazing how things can turn out sometimes and how in the face of extreme adversity, the Mets wind up with a closer who so far has been even more dominant and consistent than Mejia ever was.
And with Alex Torres emerging as a viable setup man, the Mets have themselves a formidable 1-2 punch heading their bullpen. This after losing Josh Edgin, Jerry Blevins and Mejia to begin their season. Wow…
