New York Mets’ closer Jenrry Mejia says he’ll tone down celebrations
By Phil Watson
The last time New York Mets closer Jenrry Mejia closed out a game, he did this:
The Washington Nationals weren’t happy about it and apparently neither was Mets manager Terry Collins.
Per the Mets’ official Twitter account:
Terry says Mejia will tone down his celebration. He said Jenrry is emotional and pitches that way, he is not trying to show up anyone.
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 13, 2014
Mejia, 24, has 26 saves in 29 chances since being installed as the Mets’ closer in mid-May. He began the year in the starting rotation and was 3-0 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.580 WHIP in seven starts covering 37.1 innings, with 38 strikeouts.
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Since moving to the bullpen, Mejia has a 3.06 ERA and 1.480 WHIP in 50 appearances and 50 innings, fanning 55.
There are two schools of thought on this—enthusiasm is one thing, showboating is another and Mejia’s routine seems to be dancing fairly close to the line between the two.
It makes sense that Collins would try to get Mejia to tone things down just a bit, considering that he’s made one plate appearance since he was moved into a relief role. That means someone else on his team would likely have to wear whatever retaliation opponents decide to direct his way.
Mejia was signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2007 and debuted as a 20-year-old in April 2010. He pitched in 33 games that season for the Mets, then spent most of 2012 and 2013 recovering from a torn elbow ligament he sustained in 2011.