Major League Baseball

Mets closer Mejia feels tightness in elbow, doesn't pitch in opener

Published Apr. 7, 2015 5:53 a.m. ET

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WASHINGTON -- 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.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Mejia would not have an MRI on Monday to check the elbow, but he could on Tuesday.

Mejia 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.

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