Collins says Mets won't use Familia in closer role immediately

The New York Mets dropped their fifth game of the season on Saturday, thanks in large part to their struggling bullpen coughing up three runs in the eighth.

With Jeurys Familia making his way back from suspension, Mets manager Terry Collins told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com that Familia won't be used in the closer's role right away, despite their need for late-inning relief help.

Instead, Collins is mulling over using Familia in one or two lower-leverage outings to get back up to speed.

Familia pitched in 4 2/3 innings of spring training, but made his last appearance with the Mets on March 28. He had a 1-2-3 inning for High-A St. Lucie Saturday, and is slated to make an appearance for Double-A Binghamton on Monday.

Familia is finishing up a 15-game suspension for violating MLB's domestic violence policy, and can be activated by the Mets prior to Thursday's contest against the Philadelphia Phillies.