The New York Yankees pitching staff has been steady this season and exceeded pre-season expectations by miles. With Gerrit Cole missing from the rotation and the bullpen losing key arms in trades, the Bronx Bombers were expected to struggle. But instead, the throwing arms broke the ceiling.
Similar to the events that conspired last year, the New York Yankees bullpen is once again leading MLB in the lowest ERA list with a 2.25 aggregate ERA. However, amid a hot run, the Bombers announced a strange roster move ahead of the Astros series finale, which stunned the fans and analysts across the league.
Yankees Reinstate Nick Burdi From IL, Option Ron Marinnacio To Minors To Make Space
In a move aimed at bolstering their bullpen depth, the New York Yankees have optioned right-handed Pitcher Ron Marinaccio to Triple-A to make room for the return of injured reliever Nick Burdi. Nick Burdi, sidelined with a hip injury since April 19, completed his rehab assignment earlier this week and hence was reinstated from IL on Thursday. Notably, Burdi hasn’t allowed a run this season in seven relief appearances. Hence, his addition will boost the Yank’s bullpen troops tenfold. However, the corresponding move to accommodate Burdi on the active roster baffled the fans. In a bold decision, the Yanks chose to option hot relief pitcher Ron Marinaccio back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Interestingly, Ron Marinaccio had a 1.42 ERA this season with the Yankees and recently pitched two scoreless innings against the Houston Astros in a series finale. Pundits argued that instead of sacrificing Marinaccio, Bombers could have designated righty Michael Tonkin for assignment. Only time will tell how much Ron’s loss will cost the Yanks. Nevertheless, Tonkin’s days in the Bronx also seem numbered as another key relief arm is making his way through in rehab assignment. Tommy Kahnle is currently on a rehab assignment with a Single-A affiliated team after initially being sidelined with a recurring shoulder injury in the spring. Kahnle is a few weeks behind Burdi and will need 4-5 additional starts before being considered for reinstatement. However, given no further setbacks, Tommy Kahnle should be eligible to return by the end of the month.
DJ LeMahieu To Ramp Up Baseball Activities In Upcoming Road Trip
In a recent mega injury update, the New York Yankees veteran third baseman DJ LeMahieu participated in a batting practice session on Tuesday at the Yankee Stadium ahead of the Houston Astros series. LeMahieu, down with a foot injury, already called off his initial rehab assignment after experiencing soreness. However, after being shut down for a week, LeMahieu has made good progress in the following days.
Meanwhile, Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that DJ LeMahieu will travel with the team on their upcoming road trip to Tampa, where he is expected to increase baseball activities and appear in live hitting sessions. On the other hand, reigning AL CY Young pitcher and Yanks ace Gerrit Cole is also expected to throw a bullpen session in Tampa as he nears his May 27 return timeline.
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