Just Mets

It seemed inevitable Jeurys Familia would end up closing. Despite Jenrry Mejia’s success in that role last year, Familia simply had better stuff, stuff that plays to be a dominant closer in baseball.

Of course, nobody thought he would be closing games for the Mets so soon. And, nobody could have ever expected what he’s produced so quickly in this role.

Familia was anointed the Mets closer after April 6, when Mejia was placed on the disabled list with an inflamed elbow. But because Mejia has been suspended for 80 games due to a PED violation, Familia’s temporary role as the closer became more permanent.

And, there’s no looking back now.

In a period of 12 days Familia has converted a league-leading eight saves. He has allowed four baserunners in 7 2/3 innings over that span – the opposition has a .410 OPS in those eight saves. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Familia is the first reliever in club history to record seven saves in a span of ten games.

In this short span, Familia has emerged as a dominant closer in this game. His fastball is electric, but his slider is beyond filthy – it’s unhittable.

How unhittable? Of the 33 sliders Familia has thrown in 2015, the opposite has swung and missed at ten of them. It has so much hard, heavy and late movement down that it’s incredibly difficult for the hitter to pick up, especially left-handed hitters as it darts down towards their feet.

As a result, left-handers are 0-for-13 against Familia this season.

Yes it’s still early, and a lot can happen between now and July. But Familia’s a staple as this team’s closer now, and is most certainly heading down the path to be on the National League’s All-Star roster in Cincinnati in 2 1/2 months.