Mets not worried about Parnell's struggles in Minors

NEW YORK -- The Mets remain publicly unconcerned about Bobby Parnell's rocky string of rehab outings, as the former closer ostensibly nears a big league return.

Parnell gave up five runs and recorded just one out Saturday night at Double-A Binghamton, a day after giving up one run in one inning with the B-Mets. He recorded a total of four outs in two appearances, walking three batters and allowing six hits.

But manager Terry Collins said a conversation with Binghamton manager Pedro Lopez on Sunday morning eased any concerns he might have had regarding Parnell.

"He said actually, 'Bobby pitched better than the numbers indicated,'" Collins said. "There were three or four ground balls that got through the infield that he said, 'You guys probably make those plays in the big leagues.' He was throwing 93, 94 [mph]. The catcher caught him both nights and actually said he had better stuff [Saturday] night than the night before."

Though Parnell did clear a physical hurdle by pitching in back-to-back games for the first time on his rehab assignment, the Mets have not made plans for his return to the big leagues. He has not pitched in a Major League game since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2014, and is eligible to remain on rehab assignment for another week and a half.

"There's no written script they give me," Collins said. "We just have to adjust to how he comes out of it and how he feels. I just know I think he's closer."