New York Mets: Familia has issues, Callaway better figure it out

Jeurys Familia has been having issues with his pitching since he re-signed with the New York Mets as a free agent. Manager Mickey Callaway has to figure out the problem and get him back on track.

Jeurys Familia is a home-grown product of the New York Mets farm system. They signed him as an 18-year-old amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. A quiet reserved man, Familia does not seem to fit the mode as a closer but in 2015 was forced in the role when Jenrry Mejia was suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs. His role, before becoming the closer, was the eighth inning set up man for Mejia, exactly what the Mets brought him back to do for Edwin Diaz.

Familia’s numbers have been constant throughout his career. He was doing well when the Mets traded him at last year’s deadline to Oakland for Will Toffey and Bobby Wahl, and $1M added to the international free agency pool. So what is going on with the Amazins former closer? At times, he looks absolutely dreadful.

The Dominican hurler seemed to struggle during spring training. At the time, it was speculated that he was just getting the kinks out to fine-tune his craft. Nothing to be concerned about, right? Well, it’s a concern now.

More from New York Mets

In recent memory, Familia has not thrived when he is asked to get six outs. Tuesday night was no exception, and Mickey Callaway should know his pitcher well enough to avoid tempting fate. In 14.1 innings, Familia has walked 13, with 15 strikeouts, and posted a 6.28 ERA. These are not numbers expected from a reliever GM Brodie Van Wagenen signed for three years an $30M in the offseason.

A sore shoulder is a general term when translated means, we are not sure what is causing the problem, so let’s give him a cortisone shot and place him on the injured list. If he doesn’t respond to rest and treatment, there may be other issues.

Familia is a vital cog in how the New York Mets planned their bullpen strategy for this season. To lose him would cause more problems for the team. Hopefully, the 10-day rest will get Familia back on track. After he comes off the IL, Callaway has to figure out the best way to use Familia. Otherwise, the Mets season can quickly get derailed.

Next. Knicks owner James Dolan sued by MSG shareholder. dark

The Mets need to get their setup man back to his old form so he can help bridge the gap from the starters to closer Diaz.

Home/New York Mets