Mets aren't ruling out stint on DL for Familia

NEW YORK -- Mets reliever Jeurys Familia is dealing with a bout of right biceps tendinitis that could land him on the disabled list, potentially expediting Frank Francisco's return to the big leagues.

Familia first alerted the Mets to the problem following Wednesday's game against the White Sox, though manager Terry Collins harbored suspicions while watching Familia's fastball top out in the low-90s. In addition to calling Familia off-limits on Friday, Collins did not rule out a DL stint.

"When you start to get fatigued, that's the first place it sets in," Collins said of the biceps discomfort. "We'll just give him another day and see how he is tomorrow."

If Familia does land on the DL, it may prompt the Mets to bring Francisco back sooner than expected. Rehabbing from right elbow inflammation since the early days of Spring Training, the former closer seemed primed for a quick stop to the upper levels of the Minors this weekend.

Instead, the Mets could bring him straight from Class A St. Lucie to the big leagues.

Francisco has not allowed a run during his five-game rehab assignment, striking out six and walking one. Collins has already confirmed that when Francisco does return, Bobby Parnell will remain the team's closer.