Closer Jeurys Familia latest Mets player to go on DL
NEW YORK (AP) The swooning New York Mets took two more hits to their already bang-up pitching staff when closer Jeurys Familia was put on the disabled list Friday because of a sore right shoulder and ace Noah Syndergaard was scratched from a weekend start against the Yankees because of a strained ligament in his right index finger.
New York had lost six straight entering the Subway Series, tying its season high, and 11 of 13. The Mets are 16-33 following an 11-1 start and had dropped eight consecutive home games.
''It can't be an excuse. You don't want to write the season off because you're having injuries,'' manager Mickey Callaway said. ''We still have major league players out there that need to go out there and get the job done.''
A 28-year-old right-hander, Familia is 2-3 with 14 saves in 18 chances and a 2.48 ERA. The DL stint is retroactive to Thursday, and Callaway hopes Familia can be activated when first eligible on June 17.
Familia first reported the issue after Wednesday's game, when he gave up an eighth-inning run in a 1-0 loss to Baltimore.
''We thought it was best at this time to put him on the DL and give him a little rest,'' Callaway said.
Familia had an MRI.
''It looked pretty clean,'' Callaway said.
Syndergaard has been on the disabled list since May 26, the day after he pitched at Milwaukee. The 25-year-old right-hander had swelling and discomfort when he played catch, then was examined Thursday.
''It's not as bad as it was after he pitched,'' Callaway said. ''Not necessarily starting from scratch.''
Syndergaard likely will try to throw a bullpen session after Monday's off day.
Seth Lugo will start Sunday, further weakening the Mets bullpen. Right-hander Jacob Rhame was recalled from Las Vegas of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League.
Notes: OF Yoenis Cespedes, who hasn't played since May 13 because of a strained right hip flexor, was scheduled to DH for Binghamton of the Double-A Eastern League at Trenton on Friday night after running earlier in the day, and is slated to play the outfield on Saturday. ... Left-hander Buddy Baumann and infielder Phillip Evans cleared waivers and are being assigned outright to Las Vegas.
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