Mets Release Sanchez

The Mets have released righty relief pitcher Duaner Sanchez this morning.

Mets GM Omar Minaya on Sanchez’ release: "We looked at it, really, his overall performance based upon last year to where he is now. We really didn’t see the improvement we felt was needed to be effective in the major leagues. I thought he was improving some. We sat down and talked about it yesterday, late after the game."

As you might have read here, this might the opening for Bobby Parnell to make the club as a reliever.

With the Mets releasing Sanchez at this point in the spring, they are only responsible for $276,339 - 30 days' pay, or 16.4% of his $1.6875 million deal.

Minaya said he released Sanchez now so he will have an opportunity to catch on with another team. "In fairness to him, and in fairness to us, we just felt that, look, if he’s not going to be on the team, let’s make a decision on this now.At the same time it gives him the opportunity to be with another club. ... At the same time, I think it's important that we have a competitive camp here. We want to see progress."

Thanks again to Adam Rubin - NY Daily News for the breaking news.