Francisco getting the job done: Mets closer Frank Francisco completed Wednesday's 3-1 win against the Pirates with a perfect ninth inning for his third save in four days, his 12th in 14 chances this season. Francisco, who struck out two Wednesday, hasn't allowed a run in his last four outings. "Honestly, I haven't changed anything," Francisco said before Wednesday's game in response to his recent run of success. "I've gotten a little bit of luck." (Updated 05/23/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Francisco did tell reporters Wednesday that he has been able to keep the ball low in the zone lately, which has kept the opposition from teeing off on his pitches. Manager Terry Collins continues to stand behind his closer and it seems his patience is finally paying off. Francisco has six strikeouts in his last three appearances and is looking dominate. Consider him a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy reliever. (Updated 05/23/2012).
05/23/2012 06:28 Fantasy Relief: Is Chapman finally the man in Cincy?
Is any role in baseball under the microscope as much as closers these days? One wrong move and you could be out of a job. Michael Hurcomb goes over the big stories in his Fantasy Relief.
05/16/2012 12:56 Fantasy Relief: Let's be Frank about Francisco
Another week, another round of closer news. Are you on a never ending hunt for saves? Our Michael Hurcomb touches on some of the more volatile situations in his latest edition of Fantasy Relief.
05/15/2012 03:13 The Lineup: Red Sox on a roll, Braves have a case of the Mondays
Red Sox lefty Jon Lester threw his first nine-inning complete game since 2010 as Boston has put together a four-game winning streak. In Atlanta, the Braves dropped to 0-6 on Mondays this season.
05/14/2012 22:20 Batista's 7 shutout innings lead Mets
Miguel Batista pitched seven shutout innings of four-hit ball and Daniel Murphy supplied the offense, sending the surprising New York Mets to a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night.
Despite his inconsistencies on the mound, Frank Francisco never seems to have a shortage of believers. This time, it's the penny-pinching Mets, who signed the 32-year-old to be their closer in 2012 after discovering that Bobby Parnell was ill-equipped for the role late in 2011. On the one hand, the Mets' willingness to use Francisco in the role seems like a cost-cutting move for an organization that realizes it's going nowhere. On the other hand, it's not such a stretch considering the way Francisco finished last season. He had a 1.37 ERA over 25 second-half appearances, recording 24 strikeouts compared to only four walks during that stretch. He also had 25 saves in 29 chances for the Rangers in 2009, so it's not like he hasn't had any success as a closer. His 2011 was a disappointment, yes, but mostly because the Blue Jays didn't leave him in the role all season. He won't have as much competition with the Mets and with the stakes so low, he won't have a particularly short leash. You wouldn't want to draft Francisco as more than a No. 3 reliever in mixed leagues but with a healthy strikeout rate, a respectable walk rate and good job security, he could surprise. (Updated 2/21/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start