Bobby Parnell’s expectation is he will be getting the ball on Opening Day if the Mets need him.
After missing the final two months of last season with a herniated disk in his neck that necessitated surgery, the Mets closer on Thursday said he’s been cleared for baseball activities and began throwing several weeks ago.
“At this time I don’t feel there’s any question I will be ready,” Parnell said when asked about Opening Day.
Parnell assumed the closer’s role last year in spring training and figures to stay in that spot in 2014. The right-hander went 5-5 with a 2.16 ERA and 22 saves in 26 tries last year.
“In my head, I feel like I’m still the closer,” Parnell said. “I’ll go along with that until I’m told otherwise. I feel healthy. I feel there’s plenty of time to get into baseball shape.”
Initially, the Mets thought Parnell lost as much as 25-30 pounds following surgery, but he indicated the drop was never that severe.
“I lost seven or eight pounds due to the surgery, and I think that was due to eating habits and taking it easy,” Parnell said. “Everything is back on. I’m going to be back into baseball shape now and not look back.”
Parnell indicated the next step in his rehab will be hitting the weight room.
“The only thing I’m going to take my time with is lifting weights and getting my strength back up,” he said. “But, right now, I feel my arm is strong. I feel like my body is put together. There is plenty of time between now and Opening Day, the end of March, to get healthy and get in shape. There shouldn’t be any problems.”
Ruben Tejada avoided arbitration with the Mets by agreeing to a one-year contract Wednesday worth $1.1 million.
The shortstop earned $514,000 last season.
Daniel Murphy, Ike Davis, Bobby Parnell, Dillon Gee, Lucas Duda and Eric Young Jr. are the remaining Mets eligible for arbitration.