Daniel

Herrera

Herrera, a 5-foot-7, 145-pound left-hander from the University of New Mexico, qualifies as the surprise of the draft so far. After allowing two runs and striking out 11 in 8 2/3 innings for the Rookie AZL Rangers, he moved up and continued to dominate in the California League. He’s allowed two runs and struck out 20 in 17 innings of relief. While the 21-year-old isn’t much of a fantasy prospect, he might see time in the Texas bullpen as soon as next year.

He doesn’t figure to be on the roster for long, though, as Tim Byrdak (knee surgery) hopes to return after the first four games of the season. If Byrdak can make himself available by Opening Day, Herrera will be out of luck.

Herrera, who was one of the final cuts by the Mets prior to Opening Day, had allowed just one run over his first six innings for Triple-A Buffalo, but he was recently shut down due to elbow soreness, and Mets doctors subsequently found a tear. If he does indeed undergo the procedure, he’d be lucky to be ready for the start of the 2013 season.

He doesn’t figure to be on the roster for long, though, as Tim Byrdak (knee surgery) hopes to return after the first four games of the season. Garrett Olson was previously considered the favorite to make the team as a left-handed specialist, but the Mets would prefer to have him open the season in Triple-A rather than expose him to waivers once Bydrak is ready.

The Mets need to clear two spots on the 40-man roster to make room for infielder Ronny Cedeno and outfielder Scott Hairston and Rubin hears that both Martinez and left-hander Daniel Ray Herrera have been placed on waivers. Martinez, 23, was once considered one of the most promising hitting prospects in the game, but a long list of injuries have stalled his career. Herrera was acquired from the Brewers last year as a player to be named later in the Francisco Rodriguez deal. There’s a decent chance that both get claimed.

The left-hander got the boot to clear a 40-man roster spot for infielder Ronny Cedeno. Herrera, 27, posted a 4.66 ERA and 1.66 WHIP last year in 9 2/3 MLB innings.

Herrera was placed on waivers earlier this week in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Ronny Cedeno. The 27-year-old southpaw posted a 4.66 ERA and 5/3 K/BB ratio over 9 2/3 innings at the major-league level last season. He will remain with the Mets as a non-roster player.

Herrera passed through waivers with ease this week, and has accepted a spot in the Mets’ minor league system. The 27-year-old will act as relief depth in 2012.

Herrera underwent Tommy John surgery last May and has not encountered any setbacks during his rehab. He will not be in major league camp this spring but has a shot to make it up to the big club at some point during the season.

Herrera didn’t pitch at all this spring and is still recovering from Tommy John surgery. He should resurface with another team when healthy.