SAN DIEGO -- It was a move which prompted some raised eyebrows: Why was Mets closer Jeurys Familia pitching in the ninth inning of Saturday's 12-2 loss to the Padres?
Familia was used because he won't be with the team on Sunday for the series finale at Petco Park. He'll be attending a memorial service for his father-in-law, who passed away recently.
"The main thing was to make sure we were OK for tomorrow,'' manager Mickey Callaway said. "And I think we accomplished that.''
Callaway burned just three relievers, including Familia, in a game that fell out of reach early. With Jason Vargas struggling in his return to the rotation, the Mets were behind, 4-0, in the first inning, and by the fourth, 11-0.
Callaway was thinking ahead not only to Sunday, but what position player he might utilize on Saturday to save his bullpen.
His choice? First baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who has impressed Callaway with his curve and knuckleball.
His choice to close on Sunday? Good question.
"We will have to see,'' Callaway said. "I don't know.''