Julio Teheran elects free agency following Mets DFA
Veteran starter Julio Teheran was designated for assignment by the Mets on Tuesday, and on Thursday the club outrighted him to Triple-A Syracuse. However, Teheran elected free agency, thus officially ending his brief tenure with the organization.
Teheran made one start for the Mets, allowing four earned runs on six hits while walking two and striking out three across just 2.2 innings against the Atlanta Braves on Monday.
The Mets DFA'd Teheran, in part, because they simply needed fresh arms out of the bullpen. And with Jose Butto eligible to be recalled on Friday to fill the fifth spot in the rotation, Teheran became the odd man out.
"It’s one of those where it’s not an easy decision, especially with a guy like that with so much experience," said manager Carlos Mendoza. "But where we’re at in the bullpen, we needed a fresh arm today, somebody that can provide length out of the pen, and we ended up making that decision. ... He understands this is a business and he’s such a professional."
Butto, who was only able to be called up earlier this season as a 27th man for a doubleheader, will likely get the start on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals and then stay up as the fifth man in the rotation.
The Mets spoke with Teheran back in the spring, but the right-hander ultimately elected to sign with the Orioles.
After being released by Baltimore prior to the start of the season, the Mets added him while dealing with injuries to Kodai Senga (who was recently transferred to the 60-day IL) and Tylor Megill, who is on the 15-day IL with a shoulder strain.
