MLB

All quiet on hernia front as Mejia notches save

A few days off may have revitalized Jenrry Mejia.

The Mets closer returned to form on Friday, pitching a perfect ninth inning in his team’s 3-2 victory over the Cubs at Citi Field.

In a non-save situation against the Nationals a day earlier, Mejia worked a scoreless inning. He had received a three-day breather before that appearance to rest a sore right calf and hernia tear.

“The rest has helped him out,” manager Terry Collins said. “He’s never mentioned the hernia, he’s never mentioned the leg. I think the rest just got some life back in his arm. He’s been used a lot. We’ve got to monitor that. We’ve got to monitor Jeurys [Familia] also, but that was two impressive innings I thought.”

Familia worked a scoreless eighth inning leading into Mejia, who recorded his 18th save in 21 chances.


Chris Young, whom the Mets designated for assignment on Aug. 8, was officially released by the club.


Jacob deGrom’s first throwing session since incurring right shoulder tendinitis is scheduled for Saturday. The rookie right-hander was placed on the disabled list Monday.


Travis d’Arnaud was “smoked” on the left elbow by Javier Baez’s backswing, but remained in the game. Collins indicated the catcher may wear a pad for Saturday’s game to protect the elbow.


Daisuke Matsuzaka is scheduled to make a rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Saturday against Reading. The right-hander also made a rehab appearance for Single-A St. Lucie on Monday. But Collins is unsure when Matsuzaka might return and what his role will be.

“A lot of it is going to depend on Jake [deGrom] and Rafael [Montero],” Collins said. “If Jake needs more time and Raffy continues to stay out of the strike zone, there could be a rotation spot. If they are pitching good and we need help in the bullpen, [Matsuzaka] could be out there.”


Ruben Tejada, who has been sent to the bench with Wilmer Flores receiving the playing time at shortstop over the last week, will get a start Saturday or Sunday, according to Collins.