Familia Expected Back Monday, But Won’t Be In Setup Role

Mets’ reliever Jeurys Familia was in the Mets clubhouse on Saturday, and was expected to be activated from the injured list on Sunday prior to the rain out.

However, Familia will in fact be activated prior to New York’s series at Washington on Tuesday. As a corresponding move, the Mets are sending right-hander Eric Hanhold back to Triple-A.

Familia, 29, was shelved on May 1 with shoulder discomfort, but is reportedly feeling much better and is rearing to go.

Yeah that’s why I’m here,” Familia said after asked if he was ready to come off the injured list, according to Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News. “If I’m not ready, I’m not going to come here.”

After signing a three-year deal to return to the Mets this offseason, Familia has struggled in his return to Queens in a setup role. in 14 games, he has a 6.28 ERA, 5.96 WHIP, has allowed two homers and yielded 13 walks in 14.1 innings pitched.

The plan is to not have Familia jump back into his setup role right away, as the team will ease him back in with low leverage situations, according to Mike Mazzeo of Yahoo Sports.

Mets’ manager Mickey Callaway, however, has faith in Familia and has confidence he can bounce back to be successful this year.

“I do have faith in Familia to continue to do his job,” Callaway said. “For now it’s going to be based on trying to win as many games as possible with the best pitcher in the best possible moment, and that changes every night because of availability.”

Familia, who has walked nearly a batter an inning so far this year, says he is unsure what has caused his lack of command so far this year, but thinks he will be able to get back on track after his IL stint.

“Every time I go out there I give 100 percent trying to do my job,” Familia said on Saturday. “It’s part of the game. I think every player goes through that sometimes. A couple bad days. I just have to continue trying to do my job. One day I’m going to be OK.”