Jeurys Familia to remain Mets closer when Bobby Parnell, Vic Black return

Terry Collins said that Jeurys Familia will remain the Mets closer even after Bobby Parnell and Vic Black rejoin the team after completing their minor league rehab assignments, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York. Familia has been perfect in five save opportunities this season since inheriting the role when Jenrry Mejia was suspended 80 games for testing positive for the steroid stanozolol.

Collins went even further and explained that Parnell may overtake Familia for the role eventually, but will have to prove he deserves the closing job before anything changes. As the closer in 2013, Parnell converted 22 of 26 save chances, while pitching to a 2.16 ERA. Parnell is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery on his elbow that he injured on Opening Day 2014. He has made two appearances for High-A St. Lucie so far, allowing two earned runs on four hits and a walk, while picking up one strikeout.

Black is currently rehabbing with Double-A Binghamton and turned in a scoreless inning of relief last night.