When Jenrry Mejia was dealt an 80-game suspension for testing positive for stanzolol, a performance enhancing drug, Jeurys Familia was literally handed the closer role.
He took it and ran.
With Mejia debarred, Bobby Parnell working himself back from Tommy John surgery a year ago and Vic Black also on the disabled list, Familia was provided with the ideal opportunity to etch himself into the back of the Mets bullpen.
As somebody put it, “Mejia’s suspension was the best thing to happen to New York this season.”
Familia has appeared in 17 games, recording 13 saves and an impressive 20 strikeouts over 17.