Bobby

Parnell

This comes at an interesting time for the Mets’ bullpen, as Bobby Parnell has blown two out of his last three save opportunities. If he continues to struggle, Manny Acosta could become a legitimate threat for ninth-inning duties. Isringhausen, 39, has a 4.05 ERA, seven saves and 44/24 K/BB over 46 2/3 innings this season. He notched his 300th career save last month. As of now, he plans to pitch in 2012.

Isringhausen received an injection Monday to attempt to alleviate right leg numbness associated with a herniated disc in his lower back. He was able to play catch Tuesday, but his status remains in a state of limbo at the moment. Bobby Parnell and Manny Acosta should continue to get most of the late-inning work in the interim.

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.

Collins said he is concerned about veteran closer Frank Francisco. “We’ll address it,” Collins said. “I have eight options [to close]. But, I’m not going to address that right now, when emotions are running high.” Collins will make an announcement on Monday about the back-end of his bullpen. We suspect Jon Rauch will replace Francisco, though Bobby Parnell could also be given a shot. Francisco has an 8.56 ERA and 1.98 WHIP after two ugly outings against Miami over the weekend.

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.

Francisco was scheduled for an MRI after having his left knee drained on Sunday. Mets manager Terry Collins was told by the training staff that they initially thought he was dealing with patella tendinitis. Opening Day isn’t in danger right now, but Jon Rauch, Ramon Ramirez and Bobby Parnell could be in the mix for saves if he needs a stint on the disabled list.

“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.

Francisco has allowed runs in seven of his 11 appearances this month, and he’s struck out only seven batters in his 13 innings. Francisco will likely open the season as the Mets’ closer regardless, but Bobby Parnell is looking like a real sleeper right now.

One could argue that Ramon Ramirez, Bobby Parnell and Manny Acosta are all superior alternatives, but Collins apparently prefers Batista’s experience. Since he only figures to get a chance here or there, this situation doesn’t figure to be of much interest to anyone outside of NL-only leagues.

Carrasco, Bobby Parnell and Miguel Batista are competing for the final two spots in the Mets bullpen, but Parnell, according to one team official, “would really have to mess up” to not make the team, and Batista is viewed as the favorite over Carrasco. Slated to earn $1.2 million in 2012, Carrasco posted a 6.02 ERA last season and spent a good chunk of the year in the minors. Martino mentions the Marlins and Angels as potential landing spots for Carrasco, but it sounds like speculation at this point.