Familia returns to Binghamton for tuneup

Jeurys Familia is no stranger to upstate New York, but it's been six years since the Major League All-Star had reason to visit the Mets' Double-A affiliate in Binghamton.
Familia traveled there to continue preparing for a scheduled return to the big leagues this week. The 27-year-old pitched a perfect inning with a strikeout in the Rumble Ponies' 8-3 win over Portland at NYSEG Stadium.

That duplicated his effort from Saturday night for Class A Advanced St. Lucie. The right-hander threw a total of just 17 pitches, including 12 strikes, during his two-game tuneup. 
"[Tuesday], I just practice and then I leave," Familia said after the game. "Yeah, I just came to practice here and then I leave to New York."
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A first-time All-Star in 2016, Familia pitched for the B-Mets, as they were known in 2011. Working exclusively as a starter, he posted a 3.49 ERA with 96 strikeouts in 87 2/3 innings over 17 starts.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder took over as the Mets closer in 2015 and has 94 saves over the past two seasons, including a National League-best and franchise-record 51 in 2016. 

Familia was suspended for the first 15 games of the season following an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred in October. Barring any setbacks, he will be added to the Mets' active roster prior to Thursday's game against Philadelphia at Citi Field. 

Mets No. 24 prospectDavid Thompson had a two-run single for Binghamton. 
No. 9 Red Sox prospect Nick Longhi hit his first Double-A homer for Portland.