Mets Claim Reliever Sam Clay, Designate Jake Reed for Assignment

As first reported by Matt Gelb of The Athletic Philadelphia, and confirmed by Michael Mayer of Metsmerized, the New York Mets claimed left-handed relief pitcher Sam Clay off of waivers and designated right-handed pitcher Jake Reed for assignment on Sunday.

Sam Clay, prior to being claimed off of waivers Sunday by the Mets, was designated for assignment by the Nationals earlier this month. He was then claimed off waivers by the Phillies earlier this week, and then on Sunday the Mets won the waiver claim on the left-hander.

Clay had an ERA of 10.38 over the course of 4 1/3rd innings pitched for the Nationals in 2022. He appeared in six games, gave up five earned runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out three and had a WHIP of 1.38.

Over the course of his career, Clay is 0-5 with a 6.02 ERA across 49 1/3rd innings pitched. He has given up 33 earned runs in 64 games. He has struck out 37 and has a WHIP of 1.68 in his career.

Clay has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, who are currently in Buffalo finishing a series against the Buffalo Bisons. They open a six-game series on Tuesday against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

Jake Reed had been with the Mets since they claimed him off of waivers in August of 2021 after the Rays had designated him for assignment. He split his time with the Mets between Triple-A Syracuse and New York.

Reed pitched 6 1/3rd innings for the Mets in 2022, posting a high 11.37 ERA. He allowed eight earned runs on four hits, struck out six and had a WHIP of 1.58 this season.