Mets' Justin Garza: Removed from 40-man roster

The Mets designated Garza for assignment Sunday.

Garza made five relief appearances for New York earlier this season, but he's been pitching with Triple-A Syracuse since late July. He'll lose his spot on the 40-man roster as the Mets clear room for right-hander Brandon Sproat, who was called up from Triple-A to start Sunday's game against the Reds. Assuming Garza clears waivers, he'll have the ability to elect free agency if he's unwilling to accept an outright assignment to Syracuse.