Frank Francisco is unavailable on Sunday against the Yankees due to a stiff left oblique.

Francisco first felt the discomfort on Friday night and pain has elevated since that point. He had an MRI Sunday that the club is currently awaiting news on. Bobby Parnell seems likely to handle any save opportunities until Francisco's return.

Frank Francisco was unavailable on Saturday night against the Yankees due left side soreness.

Francisco first felt the discomfort Friday and was unable to throw without pain during pregame festivities on Saturday afternoon. He should be fine in a couple days. Bobby Parnell seems likely to handle any save opportunities that come about.

Frank Francisco escaped a jam for his 18th save of the season in Friday's win over the Yankees.

Francisco set the stage for the Subway Series by saying that he couldn't wait to "strike out those chickens." Well, he got his chance Friday night. It didn't come easy, though, as he issued a one-out walk to Raul Ibanez and gave up a single to Derek Jeter to put the tying run on base. However, he was able to get Curtis Granderson to strike out looking before getting Mark Teixeira to pop up to shortstop Omar Quintanilla to end it. Francisco has been an adventure in the ninth inning this season, posting a 4.97 ERA and 31/14 K/BB ratio over 29 innings, but the Mets will continue running him out there.

Frank Francisco notched his first save in six days in Sunday's win over the Blue Jays, allowing a walk and a hit while fanning three in an inning of work.

Francisco appeared on the verge of another meltdown after issuing a leadoff walk to Yunel Escobar and allowing a single to Jose Bautista, but he settled down to fan Edwin Encarnacion, J.P. Arencibia and Eric Thames in order to end the game. All three punchouts were of the swinging variety. It's rarely been pretty, but Francisco has now allowed "only" one run in three innings of work after failing to record an out against the Marlins last Sunday. He remains the Amazins stopper until further notice.

Mets manager Terry Collins said he has "eight options" to close games.

Collins said he is concerned about veteran closer Frank Francisco. "We'll address it," Collins said. "I have eight options [to close]. But, I'm not going to address that right now, when emotions are running high." Collins will make an announcement on Monday about the back-end of his bullpen. We suspect Jon Rauch will replace Francisco, though Bobby Parnell could also be given a shot. Francisco has a 8.56 ERA and 1.98 WHIP after two ugly outings against Miami over the weekend.

Frank Francisco blew his second save of the year in a 6-5 loss to the Marlins on Friday night.

Francisco entered the ninth with a one-run lead and quickly gave up a leadoff double to Giancarlo Stanton. After Gaby Sanchez flew out to center field for the first out, Emilio Bonifiacio singled home Stanton for the tying run. Bonifacio stole second base to get into scoring position, but Francisco was able to get John Buck swinging for the second out. However, pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs delivered with a pinch-hit single to plate Bonifiacio with the winning run. Francisco entered Friday's action with four straight scoreless appearances, so his job isn't in any immediate danger. However, it's worth noting that set-up man Jon Rauch (3.14 ERA) has been very solid in the early going.

Frank Francisco picked up his sixth save of the season, shutting down the Diamonbacks in the ninth inning on Saturday.

He's been very inconsistent on the season, but has looked much improved over his last couple of outings. With Jon Rauch also struggling recently, there doesn't appear to be any immediate danger to Francisco losing his job. Although, the best option in the entire bullpen may be Bobby Parnell who's pitching extremely well on the season.

Frank Francisco pitched a scoreless inning against the Astros in his return to the mound on Wednesday.

Francisco was unavailable Monday due to a hamstring injury. His scoreless inning today came with the Mets down 8-1.

Frank Francisco (hamstring) is available Tuesday.

The Mets closer was held out of action on Monday due to a hamstring issue. But it was apparently only a minor thing. Francisco has a rough 7.71 ERA in 9 1/3 innings this season but is still clinging to ninth-inning duties.

Frank Francisco is unavailable Monday due to an "upper hamstring issue."

Mets' manager Terry Collins believes he will only have to miss one game. It's not clear where he would go in a potential save situation Monday, but Ramon Ramirez would appear to be the best alternative after Jon Rauch labored by throwing 22 pitches on Sunday.

Frank Francisco converted his fourth save of the season with a scoreless inning in Tuesday's win over the Marlins.

Francisco allowed a one-out walk to Logan Morrison but successfully pitched around it to seal the one-run win. The veteran right-hander received a vote of confidence from manager Terry Collins earlier this week, but he still has a 7.36 ERA and 1.77 WHIP, while Jon Rauch has been lights-out. Francisco will need to string together some more good outings in order to lengthen his leash.

Frank Francisco is still dealing with inflammation in his left knee.

It's obviously not a huge issue at this point, as Francisco saved all three games in the Opening Series sweep of the Braves, but Mets manager Terry Collins said the team has "got to be careful" with the closer. "Frankie's a big strong guy, but the knee is an issue," Collins said. "I don't want that to flare up to where we miss him for a week." Jon Rauch would likely close if Francisco needs a day off, but Collins indicated that Miguel Batista could be considered, as well. "He's done it," Collins said. "He's been there. He's been in those situations."

Frank Francisco wrapped up an impressive start to the season on Sunday, recording a one-two-three inning to lock down his third save.

Francisco is the first Mets pitcher to earn three saves in a season's first three games. But keep in mind that the 32-year-old entered the season with 21 career blown saves in 70 attempts. Enjoy him now while he's still the toast of New York.

Frank Francisco (knee) felt good after throwing a bullpen session Tuesday.

Francisco underwent an MRI on Monday after having his left knee drained on Sunday, but the Mets are confident he'll be ready for Opening Day. The 32-year-old right-hander is expected to serve as the team's closer this season, but has had a very shaky spring. The leash could be short if he gets off to a slow start.

Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports that Frank Francisco (knee) is ready for Opening Day.

We're assuming this means the MRI on Francisco's left knee came back clean. The 32-year-old right-hander has shown diminished velocity this spring while posting a 5.25 ERA and 7/4 K/BB ratio over 12 innings, but his two-year, $12 million contract means he'll get the chance to sink-or-swim as the Mets' closer this season.

The Mets will not have the results of Frank Francisco's (knee) MRI on Monday.

Francisco was scheduled for an MRI after having his left knee drained on Sunday. Mets manager Terry Collins was told by the training staff that they initially thought he was dealing with patella tendinits. Opening Day isn't in danger right now, but Jon Rauch, Ramon Ramirez and Bobby Parnell could be in the mix for saves if he needs a stint on the disabled list.

Frank Francisco is scheduled to undergo a precautionary MRI Monday on his left knee.

Francisco had the knee drained Sunday to reduce swelling and the Mets want to be sure he's not dealing with a larger issue. As long as everything checks out fine, he should be cleared for Opening Day. The 32-year-old right-hander will serve as the Mets' ninth-inning man this year and carries a good amount of fantasy value.

Frank Francisco's velocity has been down this spring, though the Mets are hoping he rediscovers it "when the big lights come on," according to manager Terry Collins.

Francisco has been sitting in the low 90s, but pitching coach Dan Warthen would like to see him more in the 93-94 mph range. "We're still waiting for his velocity to come up," Warthen said. "Every report we have is that when the bell rings a light turns on for him, but I just need to see a little more arm strength." Francisco has a 5.54 ERA this spring, allowing 18 hits in 13 innings. He's the unquestioned closer at the moment, but we suspect his leash won't be terribly long.

Frank Francisco gave up two runs and five hits in two innings of work Saturday against the Marlins.

Francisco has allowed runs in seven of his 11 appearances this month, and he's struck out only seven batters in his 13 innings. Francisco will likely open the season as the Mets' closer regardless, but Bobby Parnell is looking like a real sleeper right now.

Frank Francisco gave up another run in his inning Saturday against the Cardinals.

Francisco has made eight appearances this spring and given up runs in six of them, though only a single run each time. If this keeps up when the regular season starts, he won't be the Mets' closer for long.