Scranton: Yankees Release Mustelier and Activate Ramirez

March 19, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Ronnier Mustelier (95) hits a sacrifice bunt during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Networks Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Last year in spring training, Ronnier Mustelier was like Yangervis Solarte this year. Musty was very close to making last year’s opening day roster until a knee injury derailed that train from happening. Now, the Musty era of Yankee baseball will never see the light of day. The Yankees released him and activated reliever Jose Ramirez off the DL.

Injuries limited Mustelier to just 84 games last year where he had .272/.319/.398 slash line with seven homers and 39 RBI. This year, in 13 games, he had a .314/.340/.373 line with three RBI. He had only been playing outfield and DH so far this year, after playing in 41 games at third base last season.

Ramirez started all season long at Double-A and Triple-A last season, but could become an option out of the bullpen for the Yankees at some point this season. He was a combined 2-6 in 17 games last season with a 3.67 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. In 73.2 innings, he struck out 78, but, between hits and walks, gave up 83 base runners.

Ramirez is on the 40-man roster and will be pitching out of the bullpen. With issues in the major league bullpen, if Ramirez does well, it could lead to a promotion to the show. Keep an eye on Jose in Triple-A.