Danys Baez Released

After being designated for assignment last week, Danys Baez has been officially released by the Philadelphia Phillies.  Baez was designated to make room for the return of reliever Brad Lidge.

Baez started the season strong for the Phils, not allowing an earned run over his first 5 appearances.  The 33 year old maintained an ERA of 1.46 into May, but saw that number balloon above 4 by month’s end.

Things only got worse for Baez, as the right hander allowed 13 earned runs over his 9.2 innings of work between June and July.  All told, Baez’s ERA reached 6.25 on the year.

Baez last saw success as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.  As the club’s closer from 2004-05, Baez held an ERA of 3.21 while collecting 71 saves.

After that, Baez only mustered an earned run average of 5.16 from 2006-2009 as a member of the Dodgers, Braves and Orioles.

Still, Philadelphia decided to sign Baez to a 2 year $5.25 million deal before the 2010 season.  The righty rewarded the Phillies with an ERA of 5.79 over his 83.2 innings pitched.

For more on the Phillies, be sure to check out That Balls Outta Here.