Figueroa clears waivers, accepts triple-A assignment

Three days ago, demoted righthander Nelson Figueroa made it sound like he wouldn't go to the minor leagues if asked by the Phillies.

But on Thursday, Figueroa cleared waivers and was outrighted to triple-A Lehigh Valley. He accepted the assignment.

Figueroa was designated for assignment Monday when the Phillies activated Brad Lidge. In nine games with the Phils, Figueroa was 1-1 with a 4.82 ERA. He went 18 days between appearances at one point as the Phillies' long man.

But he is a valuable asset in triple A, considering his ability to be a spot starter if needed.

"I do know the situation here, which is good to know from the inside," Figueroa, 36, said Monday. "You never know what it's like somewhere else. The grass isn't always greener. I've been a part of that before. I really like this clubhouse and the staff."