Mets designate Dillon Gee for assignment

The Mets have designated Dillon Gee for assignment, according to a report from Adam Rubin of ESPN.com. The right-hander made a spot start on Sunday and tied his career high by giving up eight runs in 3.2 innings.

It has been an up and down season for Gee. He started this season as a member of the rotation, but after getting hurt he saw his spot in the rotation be taken by top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard. Once he returned, the Mets attempted to implement a six-man rotation, that ultimately was scrapped. Gee was then moved to the bullpen where he could serve as a swing-man, making spot starts when asked. Sunday was one of those days, and it didn't go well.

With Steven Matz very close to promotion, the Mets needed to figure out what to do with both Dillon Gee and Jon Niese, and this move puts the Mets on the clock.

Designated for assignment basically means the Mets have a week to trade Dillon. He's earning $5.3M.

— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) June 15, 2015

Gee being owed that amount of money adds another element to this. $5.3 million is a high price tag for a guy with an 0-3 record and a 5.90 ERA in seven starts. During the winter and throughout spring training though, a number of teams expressed interest in Gee.  The Rockies, Giants, Padres and Rangers all inquired about Gee back in the winter, but the Mets were unable to swing a deal despite constant rumors for months.

With the Mets talking to Milwaukee already, that is also another fit for the 29-year-old. Teams like the Royals and Twins, who are need of starting pitching, could be interested as well. A trade involving the righty is very likely within the next ten days.