Mets: Jeurys Familia’s continued lack of consistency is alarming

Jeurys Familia’s blown save cost the New York Mets a win Wednesday night. Can we trust him?

The New York Mets blew another Jacob deGrom gem Wednesday night. They took a 1-0 lead into the ninth inning when Jeurys Familia came in. Familia blew the save, giving up four hits, two runs and costing the Mets their rubber match at home against the Miami Marlins. Yes, those Marlins.

I hold my breath every time Familia enters a game. When he is on, his sinker is something to marvel at.  When he is off, it is extremely tough to watch.

With so many inconsistencies on this team, it almost seems unfair to single out one player, especially when Familia’s total body of work has not been horrible. The Mets just need him to find some consistency, which has never been one of his strengths. Basically, he’s inconsistent at a position that requires consistency.

In 17 opportunities, he has 4 blown saves. That number leads the majors.  His ERA is a respectable 2.35 and has a WHIP of 1.13. He is fanning 11 hitters per 9 innings and opponents batting average sits at .212.  The only number that stands out is the blown saves, which is really the most important stat for a closer.

The reason Familia is still the closer is because he has been their best reliever over the past few years. Inconsistency is better than what most Mets relievers have been. But now Robert Gsellman is having a lot of success out of the bullpen, and after seeing him pick of a save Tuesday against the Marlins, it should at least make you think.

Despite the struggles, manager Mickey Callaway intends to stick with Familia.

As a fan, I am not calling for his job yet. But when you are a team that cannot score, you need a consistent closer.  Manager Mickey Callaway is not calling for his job either.

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According to an article written by Tim Healey of the Newsday, Callaway said “He’s been our best reliever. There’s no way around that.” He also said, “We haven’t had any problems getting to save situations, and when we’ve gotten to those save situations, we’ve had our best reliever out there…It’s just four times it has not worked out.

While nobody is expecting perfection from Familia, those four times could cost you a spot in the playoffs. Who knows what that number will balloon to by the halfway point of the season?  It should be a legitimate concern.

Personally, I think that Familia has a lot of passion for the game. He does not seem to make excuses for himself and seems to be all about winning.

With the nasty pitches he has in his arsenal, he can undoubtedly be one of the best closers in baseball if he found a way to be consistent.

Until he does, the Mets at least need to think about a move.

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The squad is back in action Friday night in Milwaukee against the Brewers.  With Noah Syndergaard taking the ball, there is a high chance to see Familia late in a tight game.