Bobby Parnell (elbow) will face batters this weekend for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April, ESPN New York reports.

Parnell (elbow) will face batters this weekend for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April, ESPN New York reports.

Analysis:

Parnell will still open 2015 on the disabled list, as Mets manager Terry Collins estimates the right-hander won't be activated until early May. Even that timetable may be a bit optimistic, given that most pitchers need 12-to-18 months to rehab from Tommy John surgery.