Mets put closer Francisco on DL

Mets closer Frank Francisco, who opened this week's Subway Series by calling the Yankees "chickens," ended the series on the disabled list. The Mets put Francisco on the DL before Sunday night's game, because of a strained left oblique. Francisco suffered the injury while pitching the ninth inning and getting the save against the Yankees on Friday night.

NEW YORK -- Mets closer Frank Francisco, who opened this week's Subway Series by calling the Yankees "chickens," ended the series on the disabled list.

The Mets put Francisco on the DL before Sunday night's game, because of a strained left oblique. Francisco suffered the injury while pitching the ninth inning and getting the save against the Yankees on Friday night.

Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters that Bobby Parnell will get the first chance at closing in Francisco's absence.

Francisco is 18 for 21 in save situations this season. He has a career-high 1.586 WHIP, and has been shaky enough that Collins considered replacing him as closer earlier in the year.

The Mets bullpen has been a big weakness overall, with a 5.30 ERA that is the worst in baseball. 

The Mets did get shortstop Ruben Tejada back from the DL on Sunday. Tejada, who was outstanding in April, hadn't played in the big leagues since May 6.