In the fantasy scenario, Jeurys Familia would have returned from his 15-game suspension for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy, pitch the ninth inning, lock down a win and get a save.
But in reality, Familia came and pitched a scoreless, though laborious, 30-pitch, non-save situation ninth inning in the Mets’ 6-4 loss to the Phillies on Thursday at Citi Field.
“I got a little bit excited, trying too much,” said Familia, who walked two and struck out two but looked decidedly and understandably “rusty” in the estimation of manager Terry Collins. “Other than that, everything is great. Tomorrow is another day. I get another chance to do better.”
And Familia stressed he would welcome the chance to go back out Friday if necessary.
“My arm feels 100 percent, my body, mentally too,” Familia said. “But I think I was overthrowing a little bit.”
Familia spoke to the media before the game. There was no apology, some understandable anxiety — and also a lot of relief felt by the closer who claimed he can “control my emotions” after rejoining the team earlier in the day.
Familia’s relief probably still paled in comparison to that felt by Collins, who has mixed, matched and maneuvered an overworked bullpen. Collins summoned last season’s MLB saves leader for the ninth Thursday.
“Rusty, to say the least,” Collins said. “Good velocity, good sink. Just hasn’t been out there in a while. You sit there and say, ‘Hey, do we take him out or let him work?’ and we just had to let him work.”
In 2016, Familia set a Mets record with 51 saves. He was suspended for his arrest in an October incident involving his wife and lost some $730,000 of his $7.24 million salary.
“I’m very happy to be back with this team, to be back with my teammates. I’ve missed these guys very much the past two weeks,” Familia said through an interpreter before the game that saw him receive a positive reception from the fans as he trotted in from the bullpen.
“I was happy to be back and get the support from the fans,” Familia said.
And now he wants to get back to business as usual.
“I look forward to just helping my team out in any capacity, in any role, in any situation,” he said.
Whenever, wherever, however he was used was fine with Familia, who pitched in five spring training games and four games for the Dominican Republic in the WBC. He also had two tune-ups for Mets’ minor league affiliates.
“I’m ready for whatever Terry throws at me,” Familia said.
Familia saw teammate Jose Reyes return from a 52-game domestic violence suspension last season when there were boos mixed in with the approvals.
“I don’t think that’s going to affect me. I’ve been really around at this point for about 10 years and I know how to control my emotions,” he said.
And he did. For the most part.
“For the first time out, he was a little pumped up,” said catcher Rene Rivera. “He was overthrowing. But he’ll be fine. We need him. He’s one of our guys.”