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New York Mets: Addison Reed must step up if asked to be closer again

By Nick Ziegler

Apr 10, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Addison Reed (43) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets defeated the Phillies 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Addison Reed (43) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets defeated the Phillies 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Mets have once again suffered a major injury, as Jeurys Familia has been diagnosed with a clot in his shoulder.

It has not been a good season on the injury front for the New York Mets. In the span of a month, Noah Syndergaard, Yoenis Cespedes, and now Jeurys Familia have all gone down with injuries.

Due to a suspension to start the season, Familia missed the first 15 games of the season. As the closer of the Mets, not having Familia certainly had an impact on the team.

In 11 games so far this season, Familia has totaled three saves, one hold, and a 3.86 ERA. After returning from his suspension, Familia wasn’t given the closer role right away, but he has been closing of late.

After three spectacular regular seasons in a row, Familia didn’t quite have his best stuff upon his return. Seeing his ERA over 3.00 is a bit surprising, as he is usually an excellent regular season pitcher. Familia has struggled in the postseason as a closer, but he was generally very good for the Mets in the regular season.

On Thursday, it was announced that Familia has a clot in his shoulder that might require surgery.

This is certainly bad news for the Mets, as Familia has been a big part of their success in recent years. Now, they will be turning back to Addison Reed as the closer if Familia is going to miss time.

So far this season, Reed has pitched well for the Mets, as he has totaled a 3.00 ERA, and also has four saves this season. While Reed is capable of closing for the Mets, this also makes their bullpen a bit shorter.

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Now, pitchers will be asked to do more in the late innings. Also, the Mets might not have their solid duo in the final two innings. Depending on the severity of the clot, Reed might be asked to really step up for the Mets. If Reed struggles as the closer, the Mets could be in big trouble.

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