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Today, the Mets announced a move that many followers of the team had been waiting for. They released Brandon Lyon.
The #Mets asked for unconditional release waivers for RHP Brandon Lyon.
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 9, 2013
The "unconditional" part means that Lyon is not being designated for assignment. The Mets just did that last week, but now it seems that either they would rather be without him or that the team had an agreement with Lyon that he could become a free agent if he didn't stick with the big league club. The point is, Lyon is not going to the minor leagues. He is either going to be claimed by another team or become a free agent.
Lyon seemed like a good signing over the winter. He was coming off a 1.2-WAR season with a 3.10 ERA and 1.25 WHIP split between Toronto and Houston. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was greater than 3-to-1. Unfortunately, Lyon's performance this season did not live up to that of 2012. He's struck out less than twice as many betters as he's walked and his 43 hits allowed in 34.1 innings have led to a dreadful 1.63 WHIP.
The Mets already called up Greg Burke to replace Lyon in the majors, but there are also a number of injured relief pitchers working on rehab assignments, including Scott Atchison and Jenrry Mejia. Given that both of those guys would likely get another crack at the majors before Lyon did, it makes sense for the Mets to release the journeyman.