Parnell set for neck surgery
New York Mets closer Bobby Parnell was scheduled to have neck surgery in California on Tuesday, ESPNNewYork.com reported.
Mets manager Terry Collins announced Monday night that Parnell would undergo surgery after having been sidelined since July 31. He initially was prescribed medication before an Aug. 5 follow-up examination revealed a herniated disk. Parnell received an epidural injection and was told to rest.
Parnell, 29, initially hoped to be back on the mound before the end of the season. Stepping into the closer's role, he converted 22 of 26 save opportunities this season. In 49 games, he went 5-5 with a 2.16 ERA. Prior to this year -- in which Mets closer Frank Francisco has made just one appearance -- Parnell had 14 career saves.
Right-hander LaTroy Hawkins is currently filling the closer role, and he's converted eight of nine save chances since Parnell went down.
