Yankees News: David Carpenter Working On New Pitch

The Yankees made a trade when everyone else was watching the Rose Bowl that may be one of their more important transactions of the entire off-season. The Yanks sent Manny Banuelos to the Braves for two relievers to make something that was already a strength even stronger. The Yanks acquired lefty reliever Chase Shreve and right-handed reliever David Carpenter, who could prove to be a big piece to the puzzle this year.

The 29 year old two seasons ago went 4-1 with a 1.78 ERA, a 2.83 FIP (his FIP was actually lower last season) and a .99 WHIP. He was also with Brian McCann that season, who happens to be his catcher this season.

Here’s what he Carpenter told Brendan Kuty of NJ.com:

"It was a trust thing. I didn’t have to go up there on the mound and think my way through an inning. I really just kind of came up there and he would throw down the fingers I was basically thinking and that’s it. Let’s go with it. We were always on the same page. He’s a great, great teammate. He’s a guy that you could rely on, whether it’s behind the dish or in the clubhouse. Great guy in the clubhouse to have. And I think he’s really that type of guy that you can put a lot of trust in."

Larry Rothschild‘s big project this season is getting the most he can out of Nathan Eovaldi this season, but Rothschild is looking to help Carpneter develop a new pitch as well:

"It’s something I’ve toyed with in the past. It’s something I haven’t really had a whole lot of success with. So I kind of put it on the back burner for a while. He and I talked about it shortly after I had been traded. He asked about all the pitches I’ve thrown. I said something about the splitter, and that it wasn’t a main pitch. But he said, “I think I can help you with that.” So getting to come down here and getting to talk with him and seeing what I could do with it."

David Carpenter may be a very important part of the Yankees next season. With Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances ticketed for the eight and ninth, someone is going to need to pitch the seventh. That guy could very well be Carpenter.

Next: Who Can Lead The Rotation?

More from Yanks Go Yard

• MLB insider claims favorite emerging in Bryan Reynolds rumors (not Yankees)
• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step
• Blue Jays overpaying for Yankees trade target shows they’re trying too hard