Yankees Make A Flurry Of Roster Moves Surrounding Bullpen

The Bombers just made a few roster moves to improve their bullpen.

According to ESPN New York’s Wallace Mathews, the Yankees have called up top relief prospect Jose Ramirez. In 10.2 innings pitched with Scranton/Wilkes Barre this season, Ramirez has allowed 1 earned run (0.84 ERA), 12 hits, and 6 walks while striking out 13 batters. Yankees fans should be excited to see this hard throwing righty come out of the bullpen.

To make room for Ramirez, Alfredo Aceves was (finally) designated for assignment. In 10 games (19.1 innings pitched) for the Yankees, Aceves has given up 14 earned runs (6.52 ERA), 23 hits, and 6 home runs. This is not the same pitcher who helped the 2009 team win the World Series.

Also, Wade LeBlanc (who was claimed off of waivers from the Angels yesterday) has been activated and is with the team for tonights game against the Oakland Athletics.

The roster move that was made to create roster space for LeBlanc is a bit of a head scratcher.

Preston Claiborne has been decent for the Yankees this season, posting a 3.57 ERA in 15 games this season. Today, he was sent to the minor leagues to make room for Wade LeBlanc.

The only plausible explanation for Claiborne being sent down is that they feel like they desperately need a second lefty. It doesn’t make much sense.