New York Yankees News: Relief Pitcher David Carpenter Designated For Assignment

Prior to today’s game, the New York Yankees have designated relief pitcher David Carpenter for assignment. The move comes due to Masahiro Tanaka‘s return with the Yankees, thus needing a roster spot to be open.

Yankees have designated David Carpenter for assignment.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) June 3, 2015

Carpenter never found his niche with the Yankees. In 22 games, Carpenter posted a mediocre 4.82 earned run average (ERA) out of the bullpen. Although the Yankees have been keen on their bullpen work, most notably with pitchers Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller, Carpenter has been one of the more uneasy arms coming out of the bullpen.

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Manager Joe Girardi specified that he imagined Carpenter to become a large part of the Yankees’ bullpen.

"“Carpenter just never got on a roll, was expected to be big part of the bullpen, it didn’t happen.”"

During the 2014 off-season, the Yankees acquired the relief pitcher via trade from the Atlanta Braves. In addition to Carpenter, the Yankees also received effective left-hander Chasen Shreve. In return, the Yankees exchanged prospect Manny Banuelos, a former top prospect coming back from Tommy John surgery. It’s important to note that Banuelos is 4-0 in 10 starts with the Atlanta Braves AAA affiliate.

“[Carpenter] was expected to be a big part of the bullpen, it didn’t happen.” -Joe Girardi

Providing a stable middle relief pitcher is something the Yankees lacked, especially in terms of a right-hander, other than Betances, who is the setup man. Given the Yankees’ starting pitching struggles, the bullpen has had to step up and pitch consistent innings of late.

Prior to Carpenter’s short Yankees resume, with the Braves he has proved to be dominant. Carpenter had a 2.63 ERA and 141 strikeouts over 126.2 innings. Relying on his hard fastball and slider has seemed to play well in his favor. The trade looked to be in favor for Carpenter, but the Yankees may have found a diamond in the rough in Shreve.

Shreve, of late, has stepped into the left-handed middle relief pitcher, and well. Posting a 2.38 ERA in 18 games is justifiable, but holding opponent batters to a .190 batting average has been his recipe of success.

In addition to Shreve’s success, Girardi has stated that he was impressed with rookie Jacob Lindgren‘s abilities thus far, reported by Brendan Kuty. It was speculated that Lingdren could be a candidate to be sent down due to Tanaka’s return.

Girardi added that the team has been impressed with Lindgren in his few appearances. #Yankees
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) June 3, 2015

With Carpenter gone, it would be logical to assume that right-hander Esmil Rogers will be given more opportunities, which could be concerning to few. Rogers currently holds a 4.94 ERA, something that will need to improve.

With Carpenter being designated for assignment, the Yankees will look forward to the game against the Seattle Mariners today in Tanaka’s return.