New York Yankees News: Multiple Roster Moves Announced Pre-Game

As the New York Yankees front office continues to work with just over an hour before the trade deadline ends, the deal they made yesterday has shifted the entire roster around already. With Dustin Ackley now a Yankees utility player, they had to either let Stephen Drew, Brendan Ryan, or Garrett Jones go before they open a series in Chicago against the White Sox tonight.

Garrett Jones was the odd man out as second base needed the most help, as they can’t afford to drop Drew or Ryan.

The Yankees have designated Garrrett Jones for assignment to make room for Dustin Ackley.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2015

Ackley who was originally a second baseman himself, was moved to the outfield by the Mariners with after they signed Robinson Cano in 2013. Moving to the outfield has turned Ackley more into a utility player, being able to take the role of key positions to give an older player rest. That was originally Garrett Jones’ job, but he hasn’t fully played up to standards. To his credit, he was never given an appealing amount of playing time for him to fully get on his swing. Along with this news, comes more roster moves by the Yanks. The Yankees chose to outright Chris Capuano to triple-A Scranton.

#Yankees also outright Capuano to AAA, so in theory he is still around for depth if the NYY need
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2015

As Joel Sherman stated, Capuano is still available should the Yankees need him, but for him to make a return, would mean things would have to go terribly wrong with most likely injuries. Capuano was originally supposed to be the replacement for Ivan Nova before the season started, but an injury in spring training put a halt to those plans.

Next up, the Yanks’ reinstated fan favorite Slade Heathcott from the 60-Day DL, and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton.

#Yankees reinstate OF Slade Heathcott from 60-day DL, option him to Triple-A @swbrailriders; outright LHP Chris Capuano to @swbrailriders.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 31, 2015

Slade Heathcott helped the Yanks along one of their hot streaks while he was up for Jacoby Ellsbury during his injury. Should another outfield injury come about (let’s hope it doesn’t), Heathcott might be at the top of the call-up list due to the success he had before his injury.

Sherman also announced the following on former Yankees pitcher Esmil Roger.

#Yankees also announce released Esmil Rogers to sign with the Hanwha Eagles of Korean Professional Baseball in exchange for $ compensation
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2015

Rogers was outrighted back in June, and was up for grabs over the last month and a half. Interestingly enough, Rogers could have been a candidate to come up for the Yankees and pitch Saturday in the wake of Pineda’s injury, but obviously that’s not happening.

The Yanks’ have under an hour to make a trade before the deadline comes about.

New York Yankees News: Garrett Jones DFA’s; Capuano to AAA; Heathcott off DL

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