MLB

Mets watch finales by Mejia, Familia

ATLANTA — Jenrry Mejia and Jeurys Familia are decidedly behind Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler in the hierarchy of Mets pitching prospects, but it’s not difficult to envision all four having prominent roles with the major league club next season.

In the case of Mejia and Familia, both of whom turn 23 next week, the first step is waiting to see who is present when the team convenes for spring training in February. Will Johan Santana and Dillon Gee be ready? Will Jon Niese be traded for lineup help? How many slots will be available in the bullpen?

These are questions that pertain directly to Mejia and Familia’s immediate future. Mejia was used as a starter yesterday — lasting five innings in the Mets’ 6-2 loss to the Braves at Turner Field — and Familia will make his first major league start tonight in Miami.

Mejia’s season is likely finished. He allowed four earned runs on six hits and two walks and ended 1-2 with a 5.63 ERA in five September appearances. His biggest issue as a starter remains an inability to work deep into games.

“Five innings and 91 pitches, it’s not too much,” Mejia said, referring to yesterday’s start.

The right-hander scuffled early, surrendering a three-run homer to David Ross in the second inning. Jason Heyward’s RBI double in the fifth accounted for Atlanta’s other run against Mejia.

Manager Terry Collins said the next step for Mejia will be developing a legitimate offspeed pitch to complement his arsenal of hard stuff. Collins said he’s convinced Mejia can be a starter.

“He was impressive enough,” Collins said. “I think we have to wait to next spring to see where we are, what we need, what kind of depth we have in the rotation, but I could see Jenrry Mejia starting someplace.”

Familia likely is headed to the bullpen next season — perhaps with an opportunity to audition for the closer’s job — but will get a chance to start tonight so the Mets can evaluate him in that role. The right-hander will play this winter in the Dominican Republic and told Collins he will pitch as a reliever.

For now, Mejia is further along in his development than Familia.

“Mejia has been here,” Collins said. “He’s pitched as a reliever, he’s pitched as a starter, he might be a little bit farther along only because he’s experienced what it takes here, but I think Familia will catch him.”

* Chipper Jones finished 1-for-2 with two walks in his final career game against the Mets. Jones, who plans to retire after the Braves’ season concludes, ended with 49 home runs, 159 RBIs and a .309 batting average against the Mets. … Collins is expected to meet with general manager Sandy Alderson today or tomorrow to discuss the coaching staff. A team official said he would be “surprised” if pitching coach Dan Warthen isn’t asked to return. Warthen is the lone remaining coach from manager Jerry Manuel’s regime. … Josh Thole was tested for a concussion after getting drilled in the head by a foul ball while sitting in the dugout. Thole said the test was negative. “Your ears are ringing and everything goes through your mind,” said Thole, who sustained a cut to his right ear. “It’s just freaky.”