Mets decline option on reliever Putz

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NEW YORK -- The New York Mets have declined an option on reliever J.J. Putz, making him eligible for free agency.

Putz was due to make $9.1 million in 2010. Instead, the Mets decided Friday to pay him a $1 million buyout.

Putz was 1-4 with two saves and a 5.22 ERA in his first season with New York. The Mets got him a trade with Seattle last offseason to be the setup man for Francisco Rodriguez.

Putz had surgery on his right elbow in June. He was shut down in August for the rest of the season because of a problem in his right forearm.

The Mets also said pitcher Mike Pelfrey was under contract for 2010 at $500,000 as part of a pre-existing deal.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

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