About 12 hours after he recorded a save in the International League All-Star Game, veteran right-handed reliever Edward Mujica requested and received his release from the Phillies.
Mujica, 32, had been working as the closer at Triple A Lehigh Valley, saving 23 games for the IronPigs in the first half. He had a 3.69 ERA with 27 strikeouts and just four walks in 39 innings.
Mujica must feel like he can find a major-league job elsewhere or at least a better opportunity in an organization seeking another experienced bullpen arm. He has a 3.85 ERA in 10 MLB seasons with the Indians, Padres, Cardinals, Marlins, Red Sox and Athletics. Mujica was an All-Star in 2013 with St. Louis, a year in which he saved 37 games with a 2.78 ERA.
The Phillies over the winter signed Mujica to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. He pitched well in Grapefruit League games but failed to make the team out of camp. Mujica opted out of his deal with the Phillies but ended up re-signing with them on March 30.
Mujica was one of several bullpen reclamation projects the Phillies added on a minor-league deal this past offseason. They also signed Ernesto Frieri, James Russell and Andrew Bailey. Bailey has spent much of the season with the Phils, while Frieri was released at the end of camp and Russell was demoted to Triple A after struggling badly in April.
