FAMILIA FINE
PHILADELPHIA — Seth Lugo finished strong. The Mets righthander went just four innings Saturday night in his final start of the 2017 season, but that he even got there was impressive.
Lugo finished up with 101 innings on the season despite having been diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament on Opening Day.
That he walked off the mound instead of ending on the disabled list makes him look forward to next season. Lugo chose to undergo treatment and use strengthening exercises to try and avoid having Tommy John surgery
“Big time, gives me a lot of confidence going into the offseason, gearing up for spring training. I see no reason why it shouldn’t hold up in the future,” Lugo said of his elbow.
Lugo finished the season 7-5 with a 4.71 ERA. He also missed time with a shoulder impingement, so finishing on the mound meant a lot to the Mets.
“He’s a just a good pitcher. Now you know you’re healthy and it’s time to rest up,” Mets manager Terry Collins said. “Keep your strength up in your arm and shoulder and next year have a big year.”
Lugo said that he will have a special strengthening program designed by the Mets training staff to use during the offseason to keep the muscles around the tendon strong.
He will go into spring training fighting for a spot in the rotation. With the Mets hoping to have six other healthy starters next year, Lugo could also be a candidate to fortify the bullpen.
Noah Syndergaard will have a very limited start on Sunday. The big righthander, who pitched Opening Day for the Mets, is making his second “start,” since coming off the disabled list. He missed over four months after tearing this right lat muscle April 30.
“He’ll throw 25 pitches,” Collins said when asked how many innings. And after Syndergaard? “A lot of guys.” The Mets’ bullpen was already stretched Saturday night in their 7-4, 11-inning win over the Phillies. Nine Mets pitchers were used Saturday.
Jeurys Familia picked up his sixth and likely last save of the 2017 season. That’s considerably fewer than the record 51 he recorded last season, but it was satisfying for him.
“Just to go out there and know I am healthy, that’s all I needed,” Familia said. “I know if I go into the winter healthy, I will be fine for next season.”
Familia missed three months after having surgery to remove a blood clot in his right shoulder.