WEDNESDAY: The Phillies have announced that they’ve re-signed Mujica to a minor-league deal. He will report to minor-league camp later this week.
TUESDAY: The Phillies have released veteran righty Edward Mujica, Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer was among those to report on Twitter. Mujica had been in camp on a minor league deal and seemed to have a solid shot at earning a late-inning role.
As an Article XX(B) free agent, Mujica would have been due a roster bonus if kept in the minors to open the season. But he forced the issue by triggering an opt-out provision in his contract — which would have paid him $2.5MM at the MLB level.
Mujica, 31, was long a sturdy pen option. He timed his entry onto the free agent market well, putting up a strong 2013 season — 2.78 ERA; 6.4 K/9 against 0.7 BB/9; 37 saves — before joining the Red Sox. But he’s largely disappointed since. Over 107 1/3 frames in the last two seasons, in Boston and in Oakland, Mujica owns a 4.28 ERA with 6.1 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9. Long balls, in particular, have been an issue.
There’s little question that Mujica will draw interest from other organizations. Indeed, he’s generated solid results this spring. In his 8 1/3 innings, he allowed two earned runs on just four hits and two walks while striking out seven.
Bullpen and OF options are becoming more and more available as the season nears. Obviously not cream of the crop, but options.
Why?
This one surprised me, why not frieri?
I guess Hernandez, Gomez, Hinojosa, Bailey, Stumpf, Russell and Oberholtzer
Honestly, as much as I love Bailey, (I’ve been a phils and A’s fan my whole life) and want to see Bailey make a comeback is rather have Lafromboise or Mujica, I don’t think Baileys stuff is there anymore but maybe he will prove me wrong, all we can do is wait now, but I hope Hinojosa is the closer, guy is fearless
I would have rather have Mujica too, but thats not an option lol.
I problem with Lafromboise is that would mean 4 lefties, which doesn’t enthuse me.
Well yeah lol, I’m not for the 4 lefties but think Lafromboise is deserving of a spot
Does frieri have options and/or have six years of service time?
I think he is out of options and has over 7 years of service time…
Maybe the Mariners can avoid a trade with the Padres and pick someone up instead.