Mets To Activate Frank Francisco Off DL

The New York Mets are set to activate closer Frank Francisco from the disabled list today, reports Mike Puma of the NY Post:

After spending the last five weeks on the disabled list with a strained left oblique, closer Frank Francisco will rejoin the Mets today, giving the team some much needed depth in the bullpen.

The 32-year-old Francisco, on the DL since June 24, owns a 4.97 ERA and 18 saves in 31 appearances on the year. After a disappointing first month and a half, Francisco put up a 1.26 ERA in his last 11 outings before hitting the DL.

Manager Terry Collins said that right-hander Bobby Parnell, who had taken over as closer in Francisco's absence, will return primarily to the set-up man role but may still see some ninth inning work if Francisco tires. Puma has the quote:

"I’m not sure Frankie is ready to be out there three or four days in a row like before he got hurt," Collins said before the Mets beat the Giants 9-1 at AT&T Park.

"Bobby is going to be used [to close] again. I think there are going to be other opportunities and I think the way he threw [Wednesday] night is certainly an indication that if needed he can do the job."

Puma speculates that righty reliever Elvin Ramirez will be optioned to make room on the roster for Francisco, but no official announcement has been made as of yet.