Frank Francisco (elbow) threw live batting practice for the first time Saturday. The 33-year-old reported that he felt sore after the outing. He'll likely accelerate his throwing program going forward, but with Opening Day just over a week away it's highly unlikely he's going to be ready. When he does return, he'll have to wrestle the closer role away from Bobby Parnell to have any fantasy value this season.

Frank Francisco (elbow) will throw live batting practice Sunday.

Frank Francisco (elbow) threw a bullpen session Saturday. Francisco is scheduled for two more bullpen sessions before being cleared to throw live batting practice. He remains questionable to be ready for Opening Day. Bobby Parnell will serve as the Mets' closer until Francisco is ready to return.

Frank Francisco (elbow) threw off a bullpen mound for the second time on Wednesday and felt fine. Francisco told reporters, however, that he is not ready to resume appearing in Grapefruit League games and motioned to Bobby Parnell's locker before uttering "he is the closer." That's pretty clear at this point.

Frank Francisco (elbow) will throw off a mound for the first time this weekend. Francisco resumed a throwing program last week and is working his way back from some elbow inflammation early in camp. While there's still time for him to be ready for Opening Day, the Mets expect him to begin the season on the disabled list. Bobby Parnell will handle closer duties until Francisco is ready to return.

Frank Francisco (elbow) aims to throw from a mound Saturday for the first time this spring. Francisco resumed throwing last week after dealing with some elbow inflammation early in camp. He was long-tossing at a distance of 130 feet on Thursday, so it appears he is making progress. Still, Mets manager Terry Collins expects him to begin the season on the disabled list, which means Bobby Parnell will get the early save chances.

Mets manager Terry Collins said on WFAN on Friday that he doesn't expect Frank Francisco (elbow) to be ready for Opening Day. Francisco just resumed throwing on Monday after dealing with some elbow inflammation early in camp. There's still time for him to be ready for Opening Day, but Collins is moving forward as if he won't be available. Assuming Collins is correct, Bobby Parnell will open the season as the closer.

Frank Francisco (elbow) played catch from 60 feet Monday. He didn't have any apparent issues with his balky elbow. Francisco is a bit behind the other pitchers in Mets' camp due to inflammation in his throwing elbow, but he still has enough time to get ready for the season. He should open the year as the team's closer if he's healthy.

Frank Francisco (elbow) is expected to play catch on Monday. This echoes what Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen said on Wednesday. Francisco is a bit behind the other pitchers in camp due to inflammation in his throwing elbow, but he still has enough time to get ready for the season. If he suffers any setbacks, Bobby Parnell will open the season as the closer.

Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen said that Monday is the target day for Frank Francisco (elbow) to begin throwing. Francisco had surgery in December to remove a bone spur from his elbow and is currently behind the other pitchers in camp because of inflammation. Warthen said there's "no guarantee" that he'll be ready to throw Monday, so the Mets could give him some extra time if he's still dealing with discomfort. For now, the Mets are moving ahead as if Bobby Parnell will open the season as the closer.