56.04 Héctor Meléndez DFA'd

[pandan]

London announced today that 35 year old RP Héctor Meléndez was designated for assignment today to make room for SP Mokichi Yamamoto, returning from his blister injury. RP Mustafa Derbil has impressed in his time covering for the injury and will remain with the Monarchs for now, pushing the 35 year old off the roster.

Meléndez has had a rough 2056 campaign. In 13.2 IP, he's posted a 7.24 ERA. Most concerning is his poor K% (6.5). Despite giving up a low amount of walks (3.23 BB%), he's been allowing hard hit balls. He's given up 20 runs, but only 11 are earned. At 35 years old, the team is questioning how much the veteran reliever has in the tank, and decided to cut bait.

The Ecuadoran's career has been a grind. Drafted in the 13th round by Charm City in 2038, Meléndez debuted in 2043 and played in the Jimmies' bullpen for parts of 5 seasons. His final season in 2047 was his most notable, posting 67 frames and 12 saves, along with a career best 1.19 WHIP and 106 ERA+.

After his age 26 season, Meléndez toiled in the minor leagues of both the BBA and GBC, re-emerging in Jerusalem in 2050, where he played for 2 seasons. He bounced around the minor leagues until 2055 when he emerged in London's bullpen, posting a solid bounce back season: 70 IP and a 3.34 ERA with 38 saves. Despite underwhelming peripherals and good batted ball luck, it was a solid showing at age 34.

Meléndez will ride the waive wire to see if any team will pick up the remainder $600K tab he's owed for the full season. If he is not, he will likely be granted release by London unless he accepts a AAA assignment.