Merkin Valdez was designated for assignment, clearing room on the 40-man roster for Aubrey Huff, who signed as a free agent for one year and $3 million. Valdez was 2-1 with a 5.66 ERA in 48 games last season. He struck out 38 batters and issued 28 walks in 49 1/3 innings.

The Mets have claimed reliever Jay Marshall off waivers from the Athletics. Marshall, 26, was 0-2 with a 14.73 ERA in 10 relief appearances last season for Oakland and 5-3 with seven saves and a 3.20 ERA in 50 games with Triple-A Sacramento.