The right-handed relief pitcher underwent Tommy John Surgery last April.
Adam Rubin is reporting today that Bobby Parnell will miss the beginning of the regular season due to his ongoing recovery from Tommy John Surgery.
The right-handed reliever made just one appearance in 2014: on Opening Day against the Nationals. He allowed a run in the ninth inning to blow a 7-6 Mets lead. Just over a week later, Parnell had Tommy John surgery and missed the rest of the season.
Rubin spoke to a source that estimated a two or three week absence for Parnell beyond this year's Opening Day. That means that Jenrry Mejia will likely open the campaign as New York's closer. Last year, Mejia started out in the rotation, but later transitioned into the bullpen once the team exhausted its veteran closer options. All in all, Mejia had a 3.65 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 93.2 innings. He struck out 98 batters, but also walked 41.
During 2013, Parnell pitched 50 innings at the Mets' closer and ended up with a 2.16 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. Once he makes a full recovery, he would appear to be the best option the Mets have in the back of the bullpen.