New York Mets Retain Struggling Reliever After Initially Placing Him On Waivers

The New York Mets were able to retain a veteran reliever while clearing him off the 40-man roster on Friday. 

Just days after the Mets designated right-hander Jimmy Yacabonis for assignment, he'll be returning to the organization, according to the Major League Baseball transaction wire. 

The 31-year-old cleared waivers and will head to Triple-A Syracuse to work on his craft while he awaits another opportunity.

The Mets meanwhile, were able to keep him around while opening a spot on the 40-man roster to make room for fellow right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli -- who was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Mets on Friday and will now join Yacabonis in Syracuse.

Yacabonis posted a 9.00 ERA with an 8-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .316 batting average against and 1.78 WHIP in nine innings of work this season. 

The veteran has plenty of experience at the MLB level but has never truly found success. He's posted a 6.24 ERA with a 104-to-74 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .286 batting average against and 1.70 WHIP in 127 innings across his six-year career. Those numbers are poor across the board and leave little to be excited about. 

The Mets' bullpen situation has been below average to date and they would be smart to make additional moves in the trade market to enhance the position group. 

Nittoli is a start but serves as more of a depth move than an impactful one. Yacabonis should be considered nothing more than an emergency option should injuries plague the team.

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