Josh Outman Would Be A Nice Addition To The Yankees Bullpen

Apr 4, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Josh Outman (88) delivers against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Bullpens are a tricky thing to balance. Right now, the Yankees’ bullpen is as deep as any in the game today with David Robertson, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, and Shawn Kelley. From the left side, they are a little bit lacking, because Matt Thornton isn’t any good. There is someone the Yankees can add though.

Josh Outman was designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians yesterday. Outman was acquired in the off-season from the Colorado Rockies for Drew Stubbs. Let’s compare some numbers between the two.

Outman: vs LHB .180

Thornton vs LHB: .281

Outman K per 9: 8.8

Thornton K per 9: 7.4

Outman BB per 9: 5.8

Thornton BB per 9: 3.4

Outman’s walks are a little high, and his stats against righties aren’t good. however, the Yankees have enough righties where Outman won’t have to face any. His average vs lefties is 99 points LOWER than Thornton and strikes out one more batter per nine innings.

The Yankees could just get Outman and send down Jose Ramirez, relegating David Huff as a strict long man and not a second lefty out of the bullpen.

The Yankees can get him for basically nothing and add a quality arm to the bullpen.

I wasn’t a fan of adding Thornton in the off-season, and he hasn’t exactly made me look stupid for questioning the signing so far. Outman can help make the Yankees’ bullpen that much stronger. He’s only signed for this year and it could basically be a free look.

Give it a shot.