Mets to mix and match when Mejia needs rest

WASHINGTON -- As manager Terry Collins tries to avoid using Jenrry Mejia in taxing back-to-back situations for now, the Mets' closer carousel continues to turn.

Collins planned to tab either Jose Valverde or Daisuke Matsuzaka for the ninth inning Friday, depending on the situation. He said he would also consider one of his left-handers, Scott Rice or Josh Edgin, if a run of lefties came up in the ninth.

The Mets, in other words, will remain plenty flexible late in games until Mejia establishes his ability to pitch multiple days in a row.

"He hasn't been back-to-back in four years, so we've got to be careful," Collins said of Mejia, the favorite to close on days when he is available. "If it's not this weekend, next week he's got to go back-to-back sometime."

The Mets converted Mejia back to the bullpen earlier this week.