Parnell takes day off with tight left quad

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Closer Bobby Parnell took a brief break from his rehab program on Friday to nurse a tight left quad.

Parnell, who was scheduled to throw another bullpen session in his continued rehab from neck surgery late last season, instead took the day off. Manager Terry Collins hopes that his closer can climb back on a mound on Saturday, though the Mets will be cautious.

"He just complained about it [on Thursday] after practice," Collins said. "He came in [on Friday] and said he felt a lot better, but [trainer] Ray [Ramirez] just said, 'Hey, one more day, and we'll get you some treatment.'"

The Mets expect Parnell to be fully recovered from surgery well in advance of Opening Day.