Freddy Garcia has no plans to hang it up after his abrupt release by the Mets today, according to his agent. “Freddy is way too young to retire,” agent Ed Greenberg said today.
Greenberg said Garcia was caught off-guard by the Mets’ move, which came after the veteran right-hander went 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in his first two starts at Triple-A Buffalo following his failed spring-training bid for the Mets’ No. 5 starter spot.
Garcia’s velocity still was in the mid-80s after reconstructive shoulder surgery two years ago, but Greenberg attributed that to pitching in cold weather in the minor leagues.
“It was very surprising,” Greenberg said of today’s release. “He needed a few more starts in a bit warmer weather. The Mets we feel made a mistake rushing him to Scranton to pitch in that weather as opposed to the original plan of getting a few starts in the [Florida State League] first.”
Of course, the decision on whether to retire won’t be entirely Garcia’s. It could be forced upon him if no other team shows interest based on Garcia’s velocity readings.
Until then, though, Garcia remains undaunted.
“We will regroup,” Greenberg said.
The Mets’ replaced Garcia on the Buffalo roster with Nelson Figueroa, who is scheduled to start for the Bisons tonight. Wily Mo Pena also has been activated by Buffalo.