New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia has been diagnosed with an arterial clot in his right shoulder and could face surgery.
Jeurys Familia was examined today by doctors at the Hospital for Special Surgery and diagnosed with an arterial clot is his right shoulder.
— New York Mets (@Mets) May 11, 2017
Familia, a right-handed pitcher, led the league in games finished in both 2015 and 2016, He pitched as late as Wednesday, when he blew his first save of the year, allowing three earned runs to the San Francisco Giants in 0.1 innings and getting charged with the loss. Familia often works his way into trouble in the ninth inning, but has developed a penchant for getting out of jams.
The Mets’ bullpen, which ranks a pedestrian 20th in ERA and 16th in FIP, will feel his absence. Familia had returned from a 15-game suspension for domestic violence on April 20. Addison Reed will likely take over the closer role, having filled it during the suspension. Hansel Robles will likely be Terry Collins’ first choice to pitch the 8th inning, as he’s pitched well thus far this season. However, Robles’ FIP is over two runs higher than his ERA and if he begins to falter, the Mets may not have a setup man.
Obviously nobody knows how long Familia will be out. The injury is in his throwing arm though, and given the Mets’ history surrounding injuries — many believe trainer Ray Ramirez should have been fired long ago — it’s feasible that Familia will be out for a while.