Major League Baseball

Figueroa says he doesn't want to be sent to minors

Published Mar. 21, 2010 4:41 p.m. ET

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Nelson Figueroa appreciates the chance the New York Mets have given him to pitch in the majors, but he admits he is leaving every possibility open to pitch somewhere else - just maybe not Buffalo.

``I feel like I've continued to have success,'' the right-hander said after earning the win by throwing three innings and striking out five in the Mets' 8-1 victory over the University of Michigan on Sunday at Tradition Field.

``Until I hear otherwise, I'm going to prepare as if I'm breaking camp (with the Mets).''

If not, he said, he will explore other options, including any that don't include another stint with the Mets' Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo.

He said that while he tries to keep the thought in the back of his mind, he can't help but think of camp coming to an end and what his reaction would be if he were designated for assignment to Buffalo.

``There's no way it's not on my mind,'' he said. ``It's a situation that isn't ideal. I think I have a good rapport with the club and I like the staff (at Buffalo).

``Still, I don't looking forward to pitching in 30 degree weather for the first month and a half.''

Not surprisingly, the 35-year-old New York native was effective against the Big Ten school.

``They'd never seen me before, so it was to my advantage. I was throwing four pitches for strikes, and I was able to put them away with curveballs and fastballs,'' he said.

Figueroa last pitched in a B game last Sunday in Jupiter against the Florida Marlins and said he wasn't disappointed in pitching against overmatched college players.

``I get the opportunity to work when I do and make the most of it,'' he said.

Figueroa said he stayed with the Mets because no team was serious about putting him on a major league roster. New York gave him that chance when Darren O'Day went down.

``They didn't have to call me up. They could've called someone up for a one-day audition or the one-day job to give (Mike) Pelfrey a day off. I was fortunate enough to have that opportunity,'' he said.

``I believe I have a very good fit here, but I feel I have a good fit with any team. I'm a guy who can start or relieve, and I'm not getting worse as I get older.

``I think I've done everything I can.''

He turned down a good deal with a Korean club last year to try and make the Mets. Playing in Japan is a possibility, too, though he hasn't been contacted.

``I'm at the point where (being in Japan) would beat Buffalo if I'm able to make some good money for my family. Absolutely,'' he said.

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