PHOENIX -- The Mets' bullpen just got a bit stronger. The team activated closer Jeurys Familia, who had been sidelined since June 7 due to right shoulder soreness, before Sunday's series finale against the D-backs.
Familia felt discomfort in his shoulder late last month in Atlanta, but chalked it up to the regular soreness that comes part and parcel with his job. It wasn't until it lingered into the team's ensuing homestand that Familia said something to the team's training staff, which recommended a period of three or four days without throwing.
"As a bullpen guy, it's a little tough for me because we always pitch with something sore," Familia said. "I knew it wasn't dangerous."
An MRI exam revealed no structural damage in Familia's shoulder, so he began a throwing program earlier this week. That included a live session against hitters Friday -- the last hurdle the Mets wanted Familia to clear.
Manager Mickey Callaway said the Mets will not hesitate to install Familia right back into the closer's job.
Prior to his injury, Familia converted 14 of 18 save chances, posting a 2.48 ERA in 28 games.
Injury updates: Bruce, Cespedes, Syndergaard
• Outfielder Jay Bruce, who was out of the Mets' starting lineup Saturday for a third consecutive day, returned Sunday. Bruce is nursing a lower back/hip injury.
• The Mets still have no timetables on Yoenis Cespedes (strained right hip flexor) or Noah Syndergaard (strained right index finger), though the latter is inching toward a throwing program. Cespedes rested completely on Friday and Saturday, and has not participated in baseball activities since cutting short his Minor League rehab assignment last weekend.