Terry Collins told reporters at Citi Field that despite the addition of Tyler Clippard on Monday, Jeurys Familia will remain the closer of the New York Mets.
Regarding the acquisition of Clippard, Collins said “We got a lot better today.”
Clippard had 17 saves with Oakland this season to go with a 2.79 ERA and 1.190 WHIP over 38 2/3 innings.
Clippard, who told reporters that the “Nationals are beatable,” will be used as the primary setup man, but Collins said he will also play matchups between him, Bobby Parnell and Jenrry Mejia.
Collins also said that the addition of Clippard should end any future multi-inning saves for Jeurys Familia.
The new Mets reliever got some cheerful reactions when he told reporters that the Mets’ starting rotation is as good if not better than the Nationals. Sounds like he’s going to fit right in.
* * * * * * * * * *
After a dominating first half, Mets’ closer Jeurys Familia hasn’t been as sharp following the All-Star break.
He’s allowed three runs and seven hits during his last four appearances, including a blown save in yesterday’s 3-2 victory over the Dodgers, his fourth blown save of the season..
Familia yielded back to back doubles to Adrian Gonzalez and Justin Turner before surrendering the game tying single to Yasmani Grandal.
“I left a couple of pitches in the middle,” Familia said. “Sometimes my sinker doesn’t do the same thing every time” (Joe Trezza, MLB.com).
“He knows he’s not making pitches he made earlier,” Mets manager Terry Collins said. “Look, he’s been out there three times in 10, 12 days. It’s kind of understandable. We have to keep him going out there and in the groove as best we can. Even if they aren’t saves we have to get him some innings.”
It’s been speculated that Familia’s struggles are due to fatigue. but he says that isn’t the case.
“I’m not tired,” Familia said. “Everybody has a bad game. I’ve had a couple bad games, but I’m not tired.”
Despite this recent rough stretch, Familia has been one of the team’s most valuable players. He still owns an outstanding 1.70 ERA with a 0.96 WHIP and 27 saves on the season. He’s also struck out 49 batters in 46 innings pitched.
