Esmil Rogers Auditioning In Winter Ball

Over the past month, we at Yanks Go Yard have talked about the Winter League standouts down in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. The same players we have talked about such Jose Pirela, Ramon Flores, Adonis Garcia, and Ali Castillo are continuing to do great things in Winter ball. Lately, a new Yankees has started his Winter League stint. With the signing of Chris Capuano on Tuesday, this pitcher that is starting in the Domincan Winter League could be auditioning for a job on another team, if it’s not in the Yankee bullpen.

The pitcher I am talking about is Esmil Rogers. Rogers was tendered a contract on December 3 by the team for one year, $1.48 million, but only $750,000 on the deal is guaranteed. The right-hander is 29 years old and coming off a stretch in New York where he did have some good moments. In 18 appearances with New York after being signed from Toronto, Rogers gave up three or more runs in an outing twice despite pitching to a 4.68 ERA.

Some of the highlights of Rogers’ 2014 season included a spot start against the Indians on August 8 where he went five innings, giving up just one run on four hits. Plus, Rogers threw three perfect innings of relief in a comeback win at Fenway Park back on August 3 in his Yankees’ debut.

While the right-hander won’t be in the mix for a rotation spot, according to Brian Cashman, could he be a fit in the bullpen that is predominantly left-handed? Last season, right-handed hitter hit .235 against Rogers while lefties hit .325 with five home runs. It’s clear the bullpen is the best fit for him considering he has a career ERA of 5.54.

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Pitching for Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter league, Rogers has made two starts and it’s been a mixed bag. In his first start, he went four innings, giving up one run on four hits, and struck out six batters. Back on Friday, the outing was less than stellar. In 2.2 innings, he gave up five runs on six hits.

Of course, if the Yankees decided to release him in the Spring, it wouldn’t be a huge loss. I was in favor of New York retaining Rogers in what was an unpopular move. It seemed as if he established some confidence in his mid 90’s fastball, but the problem is the walk rate. Rogers walked about three batters per start last year.

The signing of Capuano likely means Rogers won’t be going into the rotation, but look out this Spring for him to be competing for a long man spot in the Yankees’ bullpen.