The Mets have released 28-year-old right-handed reliever Phil Bickford, having designated him for assignment a few days ago to make room for designated hitter J.D. Martinez on their 40-man roster.
Coming into spring training, Bickford was one of several pitchers who had a shot at making the team’s Opening Day bullpen. But he and many of the other relievers in that competition were out of options. Having joined the Mets last year in a trade with the Dodgers, Bickford had a 4.62 ERA in 25.1 innings in orange and blue and had a 4.