Neither Vic Black or Bobby Parnell have had a smooth process through their respective rehab assignments.
Between the setbacks, and the slow progress, neither have returned in the timeframe which was originally expected.
And, they could remain sidelined for some more time.
On Monday night in San Diego, Terry Collins said both Black and Parnell could remain on their rehab assignments until they expire 30 days after they resumed them, which is around June 15, according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.
The reason is, Collins explained, is they just aren’t ready to be activated from the disabled list at this time.
Both have recently taken some steps forward in their recovery process. Their velocity has crept up, and both have begun pitching on back-to-back days. But their command has been inconsistent and often problematic against lower level hitting, which is a significant concern as they reach the end of their rehab assignments.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Mets hold them back in Port St. Lucie longer than mid-June so they can continue to work. The club can always remove them from their rehab assignments before they expire if they’re deemed not ready, which would essentially start their clocks over again.
Then again, with pitchers – especially power arms – command is typically the last thing that comes, so the light could come on at any time.
Black has been on the disabled list all year with weakness in his arm caused by a herniated disc in his neck. Parnell has also been on the disabled list all year as he continues to recover from April, 2014 Tommy John Surgery.
Just Mets 