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How does Familia's suspension affect the Mets' bullpen?

Jasen Vinlove / Reuters

On Wednesday, New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia was handed a 15-game suspension without pay by Major League Baseball for violating the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy, the commissioner's office announced.

Although there was no evidence proving Familia actually assaulted his wife this past Halloween, commissioner Rob Manfred felt the suspension was warranted.

"The evidence reviewed by my office does not support a determination that Mr. Familia physically assaulted his wife or threatened her or others with physical force or harm, on October 31, 2016,” he said in a statement. "Nevertheless I have concluded that Mr. Familia’s overall conduct that night was inappropriate, violated the Policy, and warrants discipline."

Related: Familia suspended 15 games

With the 27-year-old right-hander unavailable to pitch until at least April 19, Addison Reed will take over the ninth-inning for manager Terry Collins, but it's also left an opening in the team's bullpen and in the set-up role.

Rafael Montero is making a case for himself to earn a spot in the team's bullpen with an impressive spring (1.77 ERA in 20 1/3 innings), but Collins mentioned the 26-year-old as a candidate to take over for the injured Steven Matz in the starting rotation. That could mean Seth Lugo would almost certainly land in the bullpen after the right-hander pitched well for Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic (15 innings, 12 strikeouts).

Projected bullpen

PITCHER THROWS G ERA SO
Addison Reed R 80 1.97 91
Fernando Salas R 75* 3.91 64
Hansel Robles R 68 3.48 85
Jerry Blevins L 73 2.79 52
Josh Smoker L 20 4.70 25
Josh Edgin L 16 5.23 11
Rafael Montero R 9 8.05 20

* w/ Mets and Angels

Fernando Salas and Hansel Robles are both contenders to take over the eighth inning for Reed, with Salas having more experience in the spot throughout his career.

Career in 8th inning

PITCHER G IP ERA SO
Fernando Salas 136 108.2 3.73 105
Hansel Robles 43 34.2 5.19 31

No matter what moves Collins decides to make prior to Opening Day, the skipper is relieved the suspension will only affect his club for the 15-day period.

"We knew something was going to happen, we planned on it," Collins explained to Mike Puma of the New York Post. "We did not know the length of (the suspension), so I would have to say I agree with the statement: We support the program and to be honest we are very lucky it wasn’t more. We’ll take it and we’ll move ahead. I didn’t know what it was going to be, but I’m happy that in 15 (games) he will be back."

Familia saved 51 games for the Mets last season, which led baseball.

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