Report: Red Sox Claim Billy Wagner Off Waivers
The Red Sox could be adding a flamethrower to their bullpen. According to Buster Olney of ESPN The Magazine, Boston claimed Mets reliever Billy Wagner off waivers.
Wagner, who has 385 career saves over a 15-year major league career, was replaced by Francisco Rodriguez this offseason as the Mets' closer.
The 38-year-old southpaw was placed on revocable waivers Wednesday by the Mets after spending the entire season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Wagner made his 2009 debut against the Braves on Thursday and struck out two batters in one shutout inning of relief in Queens.
Olney writes:
"The Mets have until early Tuesday afternoon to work out a deal. The Red Sox would have to assume about $3.5 million still owed to Wagner. If no deal is consummated, the Mets can either allow Wagner to leave on the claim or pull him back off waivers. If the Mets pull Wagner back, they would no longer be able to trade him this season."
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About the Author
After graduating from Springfield College, John Beattie spent two seasons reporting for the New York Jets' Internet and Publications department before the Longmeadow, Mass. native joined NESN. While at Springfield, Beattie played first base and outfield for the Pride.