MLB

Mets closer Parnell might need surgery

Bobby Parnell was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday with a herniated disk in his neck, and surgery has not been ruled out.

The move is retroactive to July 31. Parnell has received an epidural Monday after several other injections last week didn’t relieve the discomfort.

“Right now, we’ll simply evaluate how he responds to those and we should know in two or three days,” general manager Sandy Alderson said last night before the Mets beat the Rockies, 3-2. “It’s conceivable if those don’t work, something more significant — more invasive — will have to be considered.”

Alderson acknowledged that includes surgery, but added, “Right now, we’re not at that stage.”

Parnell attributed the injury to wear and tear, and said he’d be ready for spring training if surgery is necessary.

“I don’t want the season to end like this, so I want to get back,” said Parnell, who could get another injection before a final decision has to be made. “But you’ve got to be smart.”

Manager Terry Collins will try different options in the bullpen to replace Parnell, who has 22 saves this season.

“We’re going to mix-and-match a little bit,” Collins said. “I’m not sure we have the one guy down there that’s ‘it.’ ”

Among the candidates is former closer David Aardsma, as well as LaTroy Hawkins, although Collins is hesitant to move him out of the eighth-inning role, where he has had success.

Hawkins, however, got the first chance last night and picked up the save.

Collins thought Gonzalez Germen could be worth a look because of his “three swing-and-miss pitches,” as well as Carlos Torres.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Parnell, Collins said it was possible he could be ready to return when he’s eligible to come off the DL when the Mets are in San Diego on Aug. 15.

* Jon Niese gave up two runs in five innings in his second — and perhaps final — rehab start yesterday for Double-A Binghamton against Altoona. Niese has been out since June 21 with a partial tear of his left rotator cuff, and if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks could return Sunday in Arizona.

“We’re hoping it’s his last one,” Collins said of Niese’s rehab starts.

* Ike Davis was back in the cleanup spot last night and had two doubles and a pair of walks.

“That’s where he belongs,” Collins said of Davis, who has an OBP of .446 since returning from Triple-A Las Vegas July 5. … Matt Harvey will start tonight against Colorado. He lasted just 5 2/3 innings his last time out against Miami, surrendering three runs in the loss.