The Phillies activated Brad Lidge today. In order to make room for him they designated Nelson Figueroa for assignment. You know the drill: ten days to trade him, release him or send him down to the minor leagues. The smart money is on the releasing, of course, because that’s just how these things usually go.
Figueroa appeared in nine games for the Phillies, one of which was a start. He gave up 19 hits, struck out eight and walked eight in 18.2 innings, so he wasn’t exactly fooling anyone. In addition to giving up ten runs of his own, he’s allowed two of four inherited runners to score. That’s not good, even though I’m certain that the Mets would rather have him back than to have to see Ollie Perez come out of the pen anymore.
He is 2 for 4 at the plate this year, however, and with the way the Phillies offense is going I’m somewhat surprised they let such a slugger go . . .