Mets claim Carvajal off waivers

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The Mets claimed right-handed pitcher Marcos Carvajal off waivers from the Devil Rays on Friday, and to accommodate him on the 40-player roster, they designated right-handed pitcher Steve Schmoll for assignment.

Carvajal is expected to be in big-league camp in the coming days, the club said, meaning he may be one of the annual first-day no-shows general manager Omar Minaya essentially predicted on Thursday.

The 22-year-old produced a 2-2 record and a 3.86 ERA in 38 games with the Rays' Double-A Montgomery affiliate in the Southern League in 2006. In 72 1/3 innings, he allowed 69 hits, 40 walks and struck out 70.

Carvajal had an 0-2 record and 5.09 ERA in 39 appearances with the Rockies in 2005.

Schmoll was acquired from the Dodgers with Duaner Sanchez before the 2006 season.