Mets manager Terry Collins confirmed Friday that Bobby Parnell will close down the stretch. Frank Francisco (elbow) hasn't been formally shut down, but it's highly unlikely he returns at this point. Collins appeared to favor Jon Rauch to fill in at first, but the veteran right-hander has been scored upon in each of his last three outings. Meanwhile, Parnell hasn't allowed a run since September 9. Pick him up wherever available in fantasy leagues.

Bobby Parnell got two outs on Thursday to pick up his first save since Aug. 1. Jon Rauch has been doing an admirable job as the Mets' closer, but he was pulled after giving up a two-run homer in the ninth today (after he originally came in during the eighth). Parnell took over and retired both batters he faced. He'll be a definite saves sleeper next year if the Mets decide to stick with the injury-prone Frank Francisco as their primary closer.

Bobby Parnell was pulled from a save opportunity Monday against the Giants after allowing hits to two of the three batters he faced. Coming into an 8-6 game, Parnell immediately allowed a single to Melky Cabrera and an RBI double to Buster Posey. He retired Gregor Blanco afterwards, but manager Terry Collins opted to turn to the left-hander with Nate Schierholtz and Brandon Belt due up. Parnell's inherited run scored off Josh Edgin, so technically, the blown save went to Edgin. Still, tonight's game was just another strike against Parnell. He can't be counted on to get any additional saves.

Bobby Parnell slammed the door on the Cubs in the ninth inning on Saturday, picking up his second save of the season. Parnell made good on his second straight save chance since taking over for the injured Frank Francisco. He's done a tremendous job at the back-end of the Mets bullpen this season, going 2-1 with two saves and a 2.83 ERA through his first 40 appearances.

Mets manager Terry Collins said that Bobby Parnell will close for the Mets if Frank Francisco is placed on the disabled list with a stiff left oblique. Frank Francisco is unavailable on Sunday against the Yankees, the second game he has missed with the injury. Collins said that it will be a game time decision as to whether or not Francisco is placed on the DL. For most of the season, Parnell has outpitched Francisco in every category that matters except saves, posting a 3.30 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 30/8 K/BB rate over 30 innings. He should be grabbed in most formats immediately.

Bobby Parnell started and pitched three scoreless innings Monday against the Braves. Parnell has looked like the Mets' best reliever from day one this spring, but now he's suddenly being set up to step in as a spot starter if needed. If only they'd pick a role for him and stop jerking him around, he'd probably have established himself as more of a contributor by now.

Bobby Parnell pitched a perfect inning against the Cardinals on Friday and has yet to allow a run in 8 1/3 innings this spring. Frank Francisco has been shaky all spring. If it carries over into the regular season, perhaps Parnell will get another look in the closer's role. He has the best stuff in the Mets bullpen.

General manager Sandy Alderson indicated that Bobby Parnell could begin the season in Triple-A and that his status with the team is contingent on whether the Mets carry a second left-hander such as Daniel Herrera or Miguel Batista. "I think Bobby has got an outstanding future, and it's just a question of where he'll pitch and to what extent it clicks this year," Alderson said. "But, at the same time, we've got fewer spots available than we have quality arms at this point." Parnell, 27, posted a 3.64 ERA and 64/27 K/BB ratio over 59 1/3 innings in 60 games with the Mets this past season. The fact he has an option remaining could put his spot on the 25-man roster in jeopardy.

The Mets were debating whether to trade Bobby Parnell to an unspecified team for a starting position player, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN New York. The Mets have strengthened their bullpen this week with the additions of Jon Rauch, Frank Francisco and Ramon Ramirez, so they have the proper depth if they find the right deal. However, Parnell is also valuable to the Mets because he is under team control for four more years. The hard-throwing right-hander posted a 64/27 K/BB ratio over 59 1/3 innings this past season.

Bobby Parnell tossed a perfect ninth in an 8-6 game to earn a save against the Cardinals on Thursday. Parnell had picked up two blown saves since his last save on Sept. 4. He'll probably be the primary choice for save chances in the Mets pen in the final six games, but he may get Friday off now that he's worked two days in a row.