Bobby Parnell (neck) said Wednesday that he remains optimistic about returning this season.

Parnell, who is dealing with a herniated disc in his neck, is feeling better after a couple weeks of therapy. He's yet to resume throwing, though, and season-ending surgery is still an option. More will be known about his status early next month.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Tuesday that Bobby Parnell's (neck) symptoms "are lessening."

Parnell is not, however, ready to begin baseball activities. The closer received an epidural earlier this month for a herniated disk in his neck in hopes that it would speed along the healing process. It appears to have helped some, but the Mets haven't ruled out him eventually needing season-ending surgery.

Bobby Parnell (neck) hopes to avoid season-ending surgery.

Parnell is currently dealing with a herniated disk in his neck which is pushing on a nerve and causing discomfort down his arm. He received an epidural on Monday and is prepared to get a similar injection in about a week, after which surgery could be considered if there's no improvement. "I don't want the season to end like this," said Parnell. "I want to get back. But I've got to be smart about it, too. If I go out and re-injure it right quick, it's going to set me back even farther. We'll see how this first shot goes and go from there." Mets manager Terry Collins plans to go with a closer-by-committee during his absence, though veteran LaTroy Hawkins got the save Tuesday night against the Rockies.

Mets placed RHP Bobby Parnell on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 31, with neck stiffness.

That's the move to make room for Wilmer Flores on the active roster. Parnell hasn't pitched in a week due to neck discomfort and received a cortisone shot on Monday. He'll be eligible to return late next week, but it's not clear if he'll be ready by then. David Aardsma is the most likely option to fill in at closer, though he has struggled in his most recent appearances.

Bobby Parnell received an injection in his neck Monday during a follow-up exam in New York.

Parnell hasn't pitched last Tuesday due to neck discomfort. It's possible he'll require a stint on the disabled list. While David Aardsma hasn't pitched particularly well recently, he's the most likely alternative for the closer role.

Bobby Parnell (neck) could be placed on the 15-day DL.

Parnell was unavailable for a fifth straight game on Sunday due to stiffness in his neck. He's going to be examined by a specialist on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. "I mean, he feels better, but not enough to pitch him for sure," said Mets manager Terry Collins. David Aardsma hasn't pitched well lately but could be a productive stash in deeper mixed fantasy leagues.

Bobby Parnell (neck) will remain unavailable Sunday.

Parnell hasn't pitched since Tuesday due to a stiff neck and doesn't appear to have made much improvement. There's been no indication to this point that the DL is under consideration, though. LaTroy Hawkins and David Aardsma are the most likely candidates to be used in save chances while Parnell is out.

Bobby Parnell (neck) will be unavailable Friday and Saturday against the Royals.

Parnell hasn't pitched since Tuesday due to a stiff neck. He was given medication after seeing a doctor and is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Monday. There's a chance he could pitch Sunday if he makes progress, but fantasy owners shouldn't count on him this weekend. Mets manager Terry Collins figures to play the matchups during his absence, with LaTroy Hawkins and David Aardsma most likely to be used in save chances.

Bobby Parnell might be unavailable on Thursday.

Parnell was used heavily at the end of July and developed some minor stiffness in his neck. The Mets' closer should be back to 100 percent by this weekend.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Mets are not close to trading Bobby Parnell or Marlon Byrd.

Logic might dictate that a team out of contention should cash its closer and veteran outfielder having a career year in for prospects, but New York would prefer to field a competitive team in August and September and build momentum for the future. It's also entirely possible that they're posturing.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Mets are "not in any trade dialogue" involving Bobby Parnell.

The Mets have stated multiple times that they intend to keep the 28-year-old closer, who is under team control through 2015. Parnell has registered a superb 2.25 ERA and 42/10 K/BB ratio in 48 innings this season.

Bobby Parnell earned his 20th save of the year in Thursday's 7-4 defeat of the Braves.

Parnell yielded a one-out single to the Braves' Chris Johnson but retired the next two batters he faced. The right-hander has a gorgeous 2.30 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 41/10 K/BB ratio in 47 innings this season for New York, and he's 20-for-24 so far in save opportunities.

Bobby Parnell pitched a perfect ninth inning to pick up his 19th save of the season on Tuesday.

Parnell came into the game having allowed four runs -- just one earned, though -- in his previous two appearances. The scoreless inning was refreshing, then, and he struck out two Braves to boot. Despite his mini-slump, the right-hander still owns a 2.35 ERA and 0.96 WHIP for the year. His job isn't in jeopardy.

Bobby Parnell took his fourth blown save and fifth loss after allowing two runs -- one earned -- in the ninth against the Braves.

Parnell was also sloppy on Saturday, but he got the save in that one. The blown save tonight was his first since June 4. His job should be secure for the rest of the season, but he needs a strong second half to convince everyone that he should be the man going forward.

Bobby Parnell allowed a two-run homer to Chase Utley on Saturday, but escaped, earning his 18th save of the season.

Both of the runs were unearned. He's been terrific this season, compiling a 2.25 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 38/10 K/BB ratio over his 44 innings of work. Yet in fantasy circles, he remains in the middle tier of closers simply due to his lack of save opportunities. He has now converted 18-of-21 chances on the season.

Bobby Parnell allowed no runs despite having surrendered two hits Sunday against the Pirates, earning his 17th save of the season.

Parnell hasn't allowed a run in July. He wraps up the first half having converted 17-of-20 saves. Parnell has posted a 2.30 ERA and 0.91 WHIP over 42 appearances.

Bobby Parnell notched a four-out save by allowing no runs in Sunday's 2-1 win against the Brewers.

He walked one and gave up no hits. Parnell is now 15-for-18 in save conversions to go with a 2.48 ERA and 0.88 WHIP over 40 innings.

Bobby Parnell picked up a four-out save Tuesday in the first game of the doubleheader against the Braves.

Parnell struck out Chris Johnson to bail the Mets out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth and then pitched a scoreless ninth to save the 4-3 game. It was one of his best performances of the season, and he's now 10-for-13 saving games.

According to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, the Mets do not expect to trade Bobby Parnell.

Parnell is one of the Mets' few attractive deadline chips, but the 28-year-old right-hander is under contract for two more seasons beyond this one and there's no rush to get him out the door quite yet. Parnell has a 2.83 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 26/8 K/BB ratio in 28 2/3 innings this year and he is 9-for-12 so far in save opportunities.

Bobby Parnell blew his third save of the season Tuesday, retiring only one batter while allowing two runs on three hits and a walk in a loss to the Nationals.

Parnell was tasked with protecting a 2-1 lead, but the only batter he retired drove in the winning run on a sacrifice fly. It's frustrating for Parnell's fantasy owners, especially since he doesn't get many save chances. Still, it's just the second time he's been scored on since the beginning of May, and he still boasts a 2.55 ERA and 1.01 WHIP.