Mets blog: Mets’ middle relievers likely to be tested in Game 2

Mets closer Jeurys Familia has been fantastic so far this postseason (he’s given up only one hit in 6.2 innings), but because he’s pitched so often he may not be available against the Cubs on Sunday night.

“I’m not sure I have [Familia] tomorrow, he’s thrown a lot lately,” Terry Collins told the press after the Mets’ Game 1 win in which Familia got the save after 1.1 innings of work.

Noah Syndergaard is the Mets’ Game 2 starter, but there was speculation he would not be ready after pitching in relief in Game 5 of the NLDS. Syndergaard only pitched one inning but threw “100 warmup pitches” by Collins’ unofficial count. Jacob deGrom was on a short leash after struggling early on Thursday night.

If Syndergaard’s outing is brief the Mets might turn to 42-year-old veteran Bartolo Colon. His first relief appearance in his 18-year career came on Aug. 29 of this season, and his first postseason relief outing came in Game 2 of the NLDS. Colon gave up the pitch that Ruben Tejada fielded before he got injured by Chase Utley. Colon then worked two solid innings in Game 3 as well as Game 4.

Addison Reed or Tyler Clippard could get a save opportunity should Familia be given a night off. Reed and Clippard have combined for 158 career saves but have just three saves between them as Mets. Reed gave up two runs in Game 2 of the NLDS, then pitched a scoreless inning in Game 3. Clippard looked shaky toward the end of the regular season then gave up two hits and a run in the Mets’ NLDS Game 1 win. He then pitched a scoreless frame in the Mets’ Game 4 defeat.