Jenrry Mejia a candidate to become Mets closer

DENVER — The Mets need a long-term solution at closer and Jenrry Mejia fits the profile, so how about it?

“It’s always in the conversation,” manager Terry Collins said before the Mets beat the Rockies 5-1 on Sunday.

For now, the job still belongs to Kyle Farnsworth, who surrendered a two-run, game-ending homer to Charlie Culberson in the ninth inning on Saturday.

Farnsworth, who did not pitch Sunday, has allowed at least one run in four of his last five appearances and is deemed a stopgap at closer until the Mets can find a better option.

The fact Mejia hasn’t survived past the fifth inning in each of his last two starts has opened the debate as to whether he’s better suited for working from the bullpen. The Mets are also monitoring Mejia’s innings, and a relief role would put him in better position to finish the season with the club.

Farnsworth is the Mets’ third closer this season. Bobby Parnell lasted one game before undergoing Tommy John surgery and Jose Valverde struggled in the role, giving Farnsworth the chance.

Collins has also mentioned Daisuke Matsuzaka as a possibility to close games. The manager was asked if Farnsworth’s leash is longer than Valverde’s because the Mets don’t have anybody else on the roster with closing experience.

“I wish I had an answer for you,” Collins said. “Right now Kyle is going to close. If he can, he’s going to be the closer.”


Eric Young Jr.’s return to the Mets starting lineup didn’t make it to Sunday’s first pitch.

The speedy outfielder was sent to the hospital for tests before the game, after a ball Lucas Duda hit in the batting cage ricocheted off a screen and struck Young Jr. below the right eye. A CT scan revealed a right cheek contusion, and Young Jr. will be evaluated on a daily basis.

“It’s just a little headache right now,” Young Jr. said after the game.

Juan Lagares was inserted into the lineup in Young Jr.’s place to bat leadoff. Collins originally wanted to give Lagares a day off, allowing Young Jr. to get his first start since Tuesday in Philadelphia.


Matsuzaka has been bothered by a sore right calf, but was warming in the bullpen in the ninth inning and would have pitched if Jeurys Familia was removed, according to Collins.

The manager said Matsuzaka has a history of calf problems. The right-hander was visited at the mound by trainer Ray Ramirez on Saturday, but remained in the game, after noticeably limping.