After being designated for assignment to make room for Devin Williams, the Yankees have reportedly re-signed right-handed pitcher Adam Ottavino to a Major League contract. Andy Martino was the first to report that the two sides have reached an agreement, and Ottavino is expected to rejoin the team as they head to Detroit.
Ottavino has yet to allow a run in his two appearances with the Yankees this season, with two walks and two strikeouts. Last season, he played for the New York Mets, posting a 4.34 ERA and was eventually relegated to low-leverage situations as other pitchers moved ahead of him on the depth chart.
The Yankees opened up space on their roster by sending left-handed pitcher Brent Headrick to Scranton, making room for Ottavino’s return.
Andy Martino from SNY was the first to report that Ottavino would be rejoining the Yankees and heading to Detroit. Ottavino originally signed with the Yankees on April 1st, just before their series against the Diamondbacks, but was designated for assignment after the return of their star closer.
Ottavino spent the last three seasons with the Mets, mostly serving as a veteran relief arm in low-leverage situations. Last season, he posted a 4.31 ERA, and the Mets’ confidence in him waned over the course of the year. Now, the Yankees are hoping Ottavino can help stabilize their bullpen depth.
To make room for Ottavino, the Yankees needed to either option, designate, or place a pitcher on the IL. Following the report, the team decided to demote Headrick. Headrick had a strong showing in his four appearances with the Yankees, striking out nine batters and walking only two in 5.1 innings. He was claimed off waivers from the Twins earlier in spring training, but the decision may also be influenced by Headrick’s unavailability for tomorrow’s game due to his two-inning appearance in yesterday’s loss to the Pirates.
Aaron Boone likely wants a fresher bullpen for the upcoming series against the Tigers, and Ottavino will be available to pitch immediately upon arrival. The Yankees will begin their three-game series against Detroit tomorrow at 3:10 PM EST, followed by two games at 1:10 PM EST. These games were rescheduled due to forecasted bad weather in the area.
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