6 years agoBefore the season started, New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway was consistent in saying he was not going to have a set closer, but that he would rather play the matchups. Through the season’s first 52 games, Callaway did not stay true to that statement and used incumbent closer Jeurys Familia as the team’s closer. In Game 53, though, that changed. Familia pitched the eighth inning instead of the ninth in a 4-1 win over the Atlanta Braves, the first time he’s done so this year to get someone else the ball for the final frame. After the game, Callaway said the decision was made due to Atlanta’s top hitters coming up in the eighth inning. This is actually a solid move for Callaway and the Mets. The Amazins have dropped what seems like an endless amount of games due to bullpen struggles in the seventh and eighth inning, so using Familia against the Braves best bats alleviated that problem for a night. It’s not good for Familia’s fantasy outlook in non-holds leagues, but let’s see if the trend continues here before we worry.--John Smith
Source: ESPN