The Mets made officially placed closer Bobby Parnell on the 15-day disabled list this afternoon after he was diagnosed with a partially torn MCL in his pitching elbow yesterday.
General manager Sandy Alderson elaborated a bit on the injury when speaking to reporters today. Alderson said the tear is in a different, thicker location than the tear Matt Harvey had last year. As a result, the team thinks rehab is a viable option rather than surgery. Still, between rest and a throwing program, Parnell will miss at least six weeks.
In the meantime, the team has called up Kyle Farnsworth and indicated that Jose Valverde will serve as the team's closer. Parnell will undoubtedly be missed, as he's been the Mets' best relief pitcher for several years now. In 49 appearances last year, he posted a 2.16 ERA and 2.33 FIP. Now 29 years old, the Mets control Parnell through the end of the 2015 season.