Parnell lands on the DL, what should the Mets do?

The Mets have placed Bobby Parnell on the 15 day disabled list with a herniated disk in his neck. Parnell has not thrown since last Tuesday after complaining about the neck pain. His stint on the disabled list is retroactive to July 31, so he will be eligible to return on August 15.

 

Losing Parnell is a big blow to an already weak bullpen. He has really turned into a solid closer this season, posting a 2.16 ERA with 22 saves in 49 appearances. I've been a big fan of Parnell ever since day one, and seeing him develop into a solid relief pitcher before our very own eyes has been very pleasing. Hopefully this injury does not require surgery, because Terry Collins said surgery is "possible" but not definite.

 

Now Terry Collins loses a big weapon out of the bullpen. He has been using David Aardsma as the team's ninth inning guy for the last few games, but he has not pitched well at all. Aardsma, however, has a track record of success in the role, so at this point he may be the best option.

Normally I'd suggest having Josh Edgin as the team's interim closer, but he himself is also on the disabled list with an unexpected hairline fracture injury on his ribcage. Edgin was lights out for the Mets over the last month. In July, he had a combined 0.73 ERA in 14 appearances.

 

Now, the Mets have to make a big decision. Do you use Aardsma? A veteran who has had a track record of success but has not had that same success in 2013. Or perhaps someone like Jeff Walters? A 25 year old relief pitcher who is currently sporting a 1.89 ERA in 44 Double-A appearances this season. Walters' 32 saves are extremely impressive, and his 9.4 K/9 shows that he could be a solid member of the bullpen very soon.

 

Personally, I'd like to see Walters soon. This team needs a new look, and Walters could provide that spark of energy that the Mets have been seeking. At 25 years old, it is beginning to become that time where teams make final decisions on their pitchers, and Walters has done everything right in 2013 to help his case for a big league promotion.