PORT ST. LUCIE — After two-plus seasons in Matt Harvey’s shadow, Jeurys Familia is on his own.
Harvey, the 23-year-old fireballer, is entrenched in the Mets rotation after a dominant stretch to finish last season that left little doubt he could succeed in the major leagues. Familia, who had climbed the minor league rungs with Harvey — the two names almost became entwined within the organization — is still searching for a foothold with the Mets.
Though the Mets haven’t abandoned the idea the 23-year-old Familia can be a successful starting pitcher, the latest plan calls for trying to mold the right-hander as a reliever.
“I still think he projects pretty good as a starter,” said Mets Triple-A manager Wally Backman, who had Familia the last two seasons. “But with his stuff, as a one- or two-inning guy at the major league level, he could be a force to be reckoned with at some point in time.”
Familia made a cameo with the Mets last September, posting a 5.84 ERA in eight appearances, seven of which were in relief. It came after struggling in a starting role at Triple-A Buffalo, where he finished 9-9 with a 4.73 ERA over 28 starts.
“I’m happy to do whatever they want,” Familia said. “If they want me in the bullpen, that’s where I’ll be. I’ve got confidence. I feel good right now and I’m going to do my job the best I can and waiting for the season to begin.”
A 96 mph sinker that evolved ahead of Familia’s other pitches has manager Terry Collins excited.
“This guy has a chance to be a closer,” Collins said. “When he gets command of that secondary pitch, where he can throw it when he wants to, with that sinker, I think he’s got a chance to be devastating.
“He’s a big, strong guy — durable — can pitch every day, so I just think he’s got the makings of a guy that can pitch late in the game.”
But with veteran relievers such as LaTroy Hawkins and Scott Atchison in camp and jobs already belonging to Bobby Parnell, Brandon Lyon and Josh Edgin — plus Frank Francisco once his elbow gets healthy — the Mets aren’t just handing a job to Familia.
Backman said Familia took a step backward last season with his command, leading to his struggles. But Backman said Harvey wasn’t sharp, either, during his final weeks in Triple-A.
“[Harvey] pitched better when he got to the big leagues and his velocity was there,” Backman said. “When he went to the big leagues, he was as good as anybody. On Familia’s behalf, he’s younger. He’s a high school kid, didn’t get a college education so the maturity level I’m going to guess is a little less.
“It takes him a little longer than it would a guy like Harvey, even though they are the same age, basically. But I think last year’s struggles for Familia are going to make him a better pitcher.”
Familia called Harvey’s early major league success “awesome” and said he expects his friend to be a great pitcher.
For now, Familia will use the month he spent with the Mets last year as a guide in trying to succeed this spring.
“I tried to see the veteran guys how they pitch and in what counts they throw fastballs, changeups and sliders,” Familia said. “I’m getting the information I can to be a better pitcher and I think that will all help me at some point.”