Phillies Claim Nelson Figueroa Off Waivers

Update 4/7 1:30 pm

The Phillies have claimed right-hander Nelson Figueroa off waivers, according to ESPN NY.

He is expected to join the Phillies immediately and is likely would be the team’s long man and spot starter.

The Mets designated Figueroa for assignment over the weekend.

Figueroa went 3-8 with a 4.09 ERA in 16 games (10 starts) last season for the Mets. He had a 4.61 ERA in Spring Training.

Original Post 4/6 1:00 pm

Nelson Figueroa, who the Mets designated for assignment after he was deemed him unfit for their  25-man roster, could be heading to the “City of Brotherly Love” according to this item on ESPN.com. (Damn you Philadelphia Phillies!)

Figgy is expected to clear waivers on Wednesday at which time he is free to either sign with a new team, or accept a minor-league assignment from the Mets, or consider a move to Japan as he warned midway through spring training.

The Phillies could use Figueroa’s versatility after getting hit hard with injuries. They have started the new season with three of their key pitchers hitting the disabled list; closer Brad Lidge, set-up man J.C. Romero and starter Joe Blanton. (How does it feel?!?!)

Figueroa had one of the best springs among all Mets pitchers, but it seemed as though he was never really in the Mets plans and even Figueroa surmised as much toward the end of camp. It would seem that he had easily beaten Sean Green for the final spot, but unfortunately for Figgy that wasn’t the case. (It was unfortunate for the Mets too, but they haven’t realized it yet.)

In his two years with the Mets, Figueroa went 6-11 with 4.28 ERA in 32 appearances (16 starts). Compare that to Oliver Perez, John Maine and Mike Pelfrey, and you can easily see the problem with his ill-advised release.

If he does sign with the Phillies, at least they finally get themselves a player with some class.