Igarashi Placed on Waivers

Ryota Igarashi has been placed on outright waivers, according to Adam Rubin's post on ESPN New York. This, after he was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Chris Capuano and Taylor Buchholz.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson expects Igarashi will clear waivers due to the fact that no other team wants to pick up his $1.75 million salary.

Assuming Alderson's expectations are correct and he clears waivers, Rubin writes that Igarashi will be in spring-training camp as a non-roster invitee.

Rubin adds:

"Still, there's no assurance Igarashi is on the Opening Day roster. Francisco Rodriguez, Bobby Parnell, D.J. Carrasco and Buchholz would appear highly likely to occupy bullpen spots. The fifth spot could go to a left-hander: newly signed Taylor Tankersley or otherwise.

Under that scenario, if Pat Misch emerges as the long man, that leaves one spot for Rule 5 pick Pedro Beato, Manny Acosta or Igarashi in a seven-man bullpen, which is more common."

In 34 games last season, Igarashi went 1-1 with a 7.12 ERA in 30 1/3 innings of work. He throws hard, but lacked the command to be used consistently out of the bullpen.

I would like to see what Igarashi has to offer and am looking forward to seeing him throw in Spring Training.

That being said, I don't see him making the opening day roster. The bullpen is already jam-packed with righties. Unless another pitcher completely implodes during Spring Training, I would bet we see Igarashi in Triple-A Buffalo in 2011.