Dillon Gee clears waivers for Mets

MILWAUKEE -- New York Mets right-hander Dillon Gee has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Gee was designated for assignment last Monday, a day after surrendering eight runs in 3 2/3 innings in a spot start against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. The outing lifted his ERA to 5.90.

He recently had been reassigned to the bullpen, when the Mets scrapped a six-man rotation.

Gee has roughly $3.1 million remaining on his 2015 contract, which likely dissuaded another team from claiming him.

Because he has more than three years of major league service, Gee could refuse the outright assignment and declare free agency. However, he is not expected to do so because he would vacate the remaining money owed to him this season.

If Gee reports to Las Vegas and is not promoted to the Mets later in the year, he also could declare free agency shortly after the season.