Mets closer Mejia feels tightness in elbow, doesn't pitch
WASHINGTON (AP) Mets closer Jenrry Mejia's pitching elbow tightened while he was warming up, so he did not pitch against the Nationals on opening day.
Mejia was supposed to enter in the ninth inning Monday of what became a 3-1 victory for New York over Washington.
But the right-hander felt a problem in the bullpen, so Jerry Blevins came in and got Bryce Harper to fly out leading off the ninth, then Buddy Carlyle retired two batters for his first career save.
The team said Mejia will fly to New York on Tuesday to be examined by Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek.
Mejia, who had Tommy John surgery on his elbow in 2011, went 6-6 with 28 saves last season.
Manager Terry Collins said Jeurys Familia might step into the closer role.
Last year, Mets closer Bobby Parnell blew a save on opening day against Washington and was out for the rest of the season after Tommy John surgery.