Yankees decline $1.25 million option on Mitre

Nov 17, 2009 - 7:30 PM NEW YORK(AP) -- The New York Yankees have declined a $1.25 million option on pitcher Sergio Mitre.

The right-hander was not on the Yankees' postseason roster. Mitre now becomes eligible for salary arbitration.

The 28-year-old Mitre had elbow ligament replacement surgery in July 2008 and agreed to a minor league contract with the Yankees last offseason. He sat out the first 50 games while serving a suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.

Mitre joined the Yankees in late July and went 3-3 with a 6.79 ERA in nine starts and three relief appearances.