Yankees demote Greg Weissert, call up impressive comeback story in bullpen shakeup

What's that we said about players who wouldn't be on the Yankees active roster by May 1? Just checking.

Despite Harrison Bader's rehab being lengthier than anticipated and several recovering starters still in the throes of their process, the Yankees managed to make one shakeup on Tuesday, adding a fresh bullpen arm after a few consecutive short starts (even Gerrit Cole didn't get past the sixth inning in his most recent turn.

Though he's pitched solidly since being called up -- and swept a breaking pitch from one batter's box to another yesterday, boggling minds -- Greg Weissert has remained the lowest reliever on the Yankees' totem pole. He's got the stuff for high-leverage opportunities, but he still has trouble harnessing that stuff on occasion (did we mention it goes box-to-box?). He's also got valuable minor-league options, which is why he and his 1.85 WHIP across four outings were demoted Tuesday.

The Yankees took advantage of the open 40-man spot they gained when they DFA'd Colten Brewer by adding 33-year-old Nick Ramirez to the active roster. Ramirez will now be the second left-hander in the Yankees' bullpen, and the team certainly hopes they've found a new Lucas Luetge to play around with.

Yankees demote Greg Weissert, promote Nick Ramirez

Ramirez has three saves in eight Triple-A appearances this season, striking out seven men in 10.1 innings. His 1.74 ERA is impressive, but his 0.68 WHIP is sparkling.

The last time Ramirez saw big-league action was 2021, when he finished out his Padres career with a 5.75 ERA in 13 appearances. Overall, across 64 MLB games, he has a 4.55 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, with 99 Ks in 110.2 innings.

What the Yankees really need right now, of course, is an infusion of offensive talent. Ramirez will hope to pass the baton to the next hurler whenever he enters, but in order to secure a victory, some combination of Willie Calhoun, Franchy Cordero and Aaron Hicks will have to do ... something.

Ideally, Ramirez gets a nice, comfortable, low-leverage opportunity to soak up multiple innings and show off his impressive command after two years away from MLB.