Report: Mets' Parnell needs neck surgery
New York Mets closer Bobby Parnell is headed toward neck surgery, ESPNNewYork.com reported Monday.
The right-hander has been sidelined since July 31 due to a sore neck. 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.
As recently as Aug. 29, manager Terry Collins said Parnell's symptoms were lessening, but Monday's report paints a different picture.
Parnell, 29, 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.
