Career pinballer Josh Fogg’s time in New York is over before it began. The Mets, who acquired the right-hander’s services in January with a minor league deal, was released by the club on Saturday. The report has come from the New York Daily News, citing that Fogg was released at his own request due to an opportunity with another club. Fogg had hurt a muscle in his side and did not appear in any games with the Mets this Spring.

Fogg, a competent starting pitcher for most of his career, had his best year in 2002 when he started for the Pirates. He was 12-12 with a 4.35 ERA in 194.1 innings and he threw 113 strikeouts. He spent 2009 in the Colorado Rockies bullpen where he went 0-2 with a 3.74 ERA in 45.2 innings. His career has been a roller-coaster ride for the most part, and even before the 2010 season begins, he finds himself looking for a job as perhaps a missing ingredient on a team looking to round out their rotation or complete a relief corps.

Fogg has shown some potential in his career, but has not been able to show consistent success. He threw a two-hitter for the Rockies in 2006 against the Seattle Mariners, facing the minimum 27 batters. He also pitched in the 2007 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. Still, he’s found himself moved to the bullpen and is now logging hours in relief.

The Mets showed some class on Saturday by honoring Fogg’s request to be released from his contract. Whether they thought he was just competing with others for a spot on the staff or if they thought he wasn’t going to fit in with the team in New York is debatable, but regardless, Fogg is once again a free agent looking for a home. But you can definitely expect to see this guy in a big league uniform come Opening Day.