Daal

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Phillies exercised a $4.5 million contract option on Omar Daal, who opened the season as their No. 1 starter and finished at the back of the rotation.

The 29-year-old left-hander was 13-7 with a 4.46 ERA. But he was just 4-5 with a 4.17 ERA after the All-Star break.

Phillies manager Larry Bowa passed over Daal in the rotation during a crucial late-season series against the Atlanta Braves. Daal criticized Bowa and suggested he wouldn't mind playing elsewhere next season.

Daal came to the Phillies in July 2000, as part of the deal that sent Curt Schilling to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Daal was 2-9 with a 4.69 ERA in 12 starts with Philadelphia that season, and finished 4-19 with a 6.14 ERA overall. But after an impressive spring training, Daal was named Philadelphia's Opening Day starter.

Daal won his first six decisions and nine of his first 11 before struggling in the second half. He did finish strong, posting a 0.90 ERA over his last three starts. Left-handers batted just .214 against him.

The Phillies had the option of buying out Daal's contract for $500,000 or picking up the option for next season.

General manager Ed Wade indicated after the season that picking up Daal's option wouldn't necessarily mean he'll be back in the rotation next year.

The Phillies finished two games behind Atlanta in the NL East and are seeking another starter.

Daal went 16-9 with a 3.65 ERA for Arizona in 1999. He had a 2.88 ERA the previous season.

He is 52-57 with a 4.50 ERA over his career.