Thomas Pham: Everything you need to know

Pham elected to become a free agent Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Pham cleared waivers after being removed from the Mets' 40-man roster but has opted for free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Syracuse. The veteran outfielder went hitless in 13 at-bats during his brief time with the Mets. Pham turned 38 in March and will likely have to settle for a minor-league contract if he wants to continue his playing career.

Pham was designated for assignment by the Mets following Sunday's doubleheader against the Rockies, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. Pham went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in the team's 3-1 loss to Colorado in the matinee of Sunday's doubleheader, and he did not appear in the nightcap, which New York also lost 3-0. The outfielder went 0-for-13 with a run scored, a walk and seven punchouts while appearing in nine contests with the Mets after having his contract selected from Single-A Lucie on April 13. Pham will now be placed on waivers, and if he goes unclaimed, he'll have the opportunity to either elect free agency or report to Triple-A Syracuse.

The Mets selected Pham's contract from Single-A St. Lucie on Monday. Signed to a minor-league contract in late March, Pham knocked some rust off in the minors with five games at St. Lucie, going 2-for-12 with a 3:3 K:BB. The Mets figure to use the 38-year-old outfielder primarily against left-handed pitching.