New York Mets closer Frank Francisco's season is likely finished as he continues to battle tendinitis in his right elbow, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN New York:

"I talked to Frank again today. He didn't feel like he could play catch today," [manager Terry] Collins said.

"So it's getting near that point of no return."

The 33-year-old right-hander has been sidelined with elbow issues since September 16, and is missing significant time for the second time this season. Francisco missed the entire month of July recovering from a strained left oblique.

The veteran closer has struggled in his first year with the Mets, posting a 5.53 ERA, 4.5 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 in forty-eight appearances, but blowing just three of his 26 save opportunities. Francisco is signed with the Mets through 2013 with a $6.5 million salary for next year.

Though still concerning, "out for the season" does not mean quite the same thing now as it did in earlier weeks, as the Mets' season ends next Wednesday in Miami.