New York Mets Release Relief Pitcher Miguel Batista

With a slew of recent moves and signings, it appears the New York Mets are in panic mode, and Miguel Batista is the latest victim in this round of shuffling.

The team has released the 41-year-old relief pitcher after designating him for assignment a few days ago.

At the time of his departure, the right-hander was 1-3 with a 4.82 ERA in 30 games, five of which he had started. In 46.2 innings, he had allowed 53 hits while walking 31 batters and striking out 34.

He began the 2012 season poorly, posting a 10.12 ERA through his first four appearances and finishing April with a 7.84 mark. He then entered a hot stretch and posted a 2.76 ERA in 19 games between May 1 and July 15.

After allowing six earned runs in 3.2 innings over his final two appearances, however, the Mets had seen enough and decided to cut ties with the aging hurler.

Batista joined the team after being released by the St. Louis Cardinals in June of last season. He latched onto the New York ballclub in early July and appeared in nine games (including four starts), going 2-0 with a 2.64 ERA.

The highlight of his season—and his Mets career—came on the final day of the year, when he threw a complete game shutout against the Cincinnati Reds. In that match, he surrendered only two hits and two walks while striking out five batters.

This release is just one of numerous moves the front office has made recently as they try to tinker with the roster and figure out how to regain their winning ways.

The team has also signed pitchers Craig Hansen and C.J. Nitkowski, demoted catcher Mike Nickeas and promoted catcher Rob Johnson (per ESPN). They also demoted outfielder Lucas Duda and, perhaps most notably, promoted top pitching prospect Matt Harvey to the big leagues in recent weeks.