Mets outright veteran reliever Farnsworth

NEW YORK -- The Mets on Wednesday outrighted veteran reliever Kyle Farnsworth, who was the team's closer as recently as Monday -- and who was caught off-guard by the move.

"I am very bitter right now," Farnsworth said.

The move saves the Mets money, because Farnsworth had signed a 45-day consent waiver that guaranteed him cash if he was still on the team this weekend. It also gives the Mets a bit of roster flexibility with catcher Travis d'Arnaud's status uncertain. If the Mets feel d'Arnaud needs only a day or two to recover from his concussion symptoms, they can use the open roster spot to activate Juan Centeno as catching insurance, thereby avoiding putting d'Arnaud on the disabled list.

If d'Arnaud's injury does require a DL stint, the Mets can activate both Centeno and lefty reliever Josh Edgin.

Farnsworth, 37, was 0-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 19 games, serving as closer for the last three and a half weeks. Due in part to a lack of velocity, Farnsworth did not make the team out of Spring Training, but received the call after the Mets lost Bobby Parnell due to injury on Opening Day. Once in the big leagues, Farnsworth's velocity rapidly increased into the mid-90s.

Yet despite his low ERA, Farnsworth lost as many games (three) as he successfully saved. His Fielding Independent Pitching mark was 4.51, suggesting a fair bit of luck.

With Farnsworth out of the mix, the Mets will continue to rely on a closer by committee until one candidate emerges. After Farnsworth narrowly escaped a blown save Monday against the Yankees, manager Terry Collins mentioned Jeurys Familia, Jose Valverde and Daisuke Matsuzaka as potential closer candidates. Collins also said that Jenrry Mejia could eventually enter that mix down the road.

Edgin, who has appeared in 68 games for the Mets over the past two seasons, had a 4.97 ERA at Triple-A Las Vegas, but a 2.16 mark -- with eight strikeouts and eight walks -- over his last 10 appearances.

Farnsworth can technically report to Las Vegas if he desires. That seems unlikely. Asked about his plans, he said: "Hopefully I'll find a team where I can play against this one."