New York Daily News

Jeurys an inning closer to the Citi

- BY FRANK KILINSKI

ON DAY two of Jeurys Familia’s rehab stint with the Brooklyn Cyclones, he faced four more batters in another scoreless inning.

The closer said Wednesday he’s ready to return to the Mets, but isn’t sure if he’ll be activated for this weekend’s road trip against the Washington Nationals.

“I’m not sure what they’re going to do,” Familia said. “I feel good right now, but I don’t know if I have to throw more pitches in the minor leagues before I can join the team.”

Similar to Tuesday’s outing, Familia came on in the fifth inning to the delight of fans at MCU Park in Coney Island. He gave up just one base hit and registered a strikeout on his second straight day for the Cyclones, and 11 of his 13 pitches were strikes.

“Finishing the season with the team is huge for me to get my confidence back,” said Familia, eager for the team to “see where he’s gotten” in rehabbing his shoulder.

Addison Reed had been the Mets’ main closer this year with 19 saves in 49 innings until he was traded to Boston at the trade deadline. After leading the National League in saves in 2016, Familia is just focused on getting comfortabl­e on the mound in the Mets’ final months this season and having a complete 2018 campaign.

“I don’t worry about the saves,” Familia said. “I just want to be 100 percent healthy and have good outings. Whether that’s as a closer, that doesn’t matter to me. I just want to finish strong and get ready for next season.”

About six weeks into his rehab throwing program, Familia regained command of all his pitches. He threw a variety of breaking balls again Wednesday night against the Hudson Valley Renegades with a fastball that topped out at 97 MPH.

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