The Mets called up Nelson Figueroa for a spot start in place of Mike Pelfrey on Sunday. To make room for Figueroa, the Mets put Darren O’Day on Rule 5 waivers.
Only hours after Figueroa turned in a quality start, the Mets designated him for assignment to make room for Casey Fossum.
Essentially, the Mets had traded O’Day for a quality start out of Figueroa, then traded Figueroa for Fossum. Both O’Day and Figueroa both have a chance to stick with the Mets organization if no other team claims them. (O’Day would also have to be turned down by the Angels organization with his $25,000 price tag.)
Fossum, who is 0-0 with a 0.82 ERA with the Buffalo Bisons this year, will be available in the bullpen and could possibly make a start this week.
What I don’t understand about this move is why the Mets didn’t just call up Fossum for the start on Sunday. Would he have really been that bad against the Milwaukee Brewers? Calling up Figueroa, watching him turn in a decent performance and then promptly waving goodbye to him is not a way to treat any player.
The Mets may very well have thrown away a good player with this roster move. Hopefully they can retain both players, as they both are effective in their own capacity.
Just poor roster handling by the Mets on this one.