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Mets Bobby Parnell onto DL with a herniated disc in his neck. Move is retroactive to July 31
— Anthony McCarron (@AnthonyMcCarron) August 6, 2013
Well, Mets fans begging for a Wilmer Flores promotion got what they wished for. The hyped prospect's long-anticipated major league debut will take place tonight, but it's at the expense of Bobby Parnell's roster spot. New York's cost-effective relief pitcher is going on the disabled list with a herniated disc in his neck.
The move is retroactive to last Wednesday, because Parnell last pitched on Tuesday, July 30.
At age 28, Parnell is having his best season as a Met. He has accumulated a career-high 1.2 fWAR and his 2.16 walks per nine is a career best.
With Parnell out of the bullpen, it's being reported that manager Terry Collins will go with a closer-by-committee approach at first, although a regular closer can sometimes emerge in these situations. While the Mets have not had a save situation since Parnell's injury became apparent, it's worth noting that David Aardsma does have significant closer experience.