Yankees DFA pitcher with ERA over 40.00 to bring Cam Schlittler to MLB roster

When the New York Yankees lost Yerry de los Santos to injury, they lost a shockingly important piece of the puzzle: their designated mop-up guy. Since de los Santos departed, the Yankees have tried JT Brubaker in a 10-1 game and Geoff Hartlieb in a 10-0 contest, and both failed spectacularly to finish what feels like the simplest task.

Brubaker's meltdown was far more disastrous; he turned a nine-run game in the sixth inning into a six-run game with the bases loaded and one out in a matter of seconds, walking the world in the process. At least Hartlieb's cameo came later (the eighth inning) and featured acceptable control, but terrible command; three batters into his outing Tuesday, three runs had scored.

On Wednesday morning, the Yankees made Hartlieb the predictable sacrificial lamb after his efforts to save the bullpen flopped Tuesday night against Seattle. Ian Hamilton entered, faced one batter, induced a double play, and Hartlieb's fate was sealed.

In Hartlieb's place, top prospect Cam Schlittler will rise to make Wednesday night's start. The Yankees bullpen will be one man short for now.

Yankees promote Cam Schlittler for MLB debut, DFA Geoff Hartlieb for second time this season

And so, just like that, Hartlieb's Yankees career will end with a remarkable 40.50 ERA and 6.75 WHIP, thanks to Hamilton stranding the final runner he placed on base. Hopefully, that incredible fact never changes. Sorry, Geoff.

Both Hartlieb and Jayvien Sandridge have been shuffled off the Yankees' roster back down into purgatory in recent days, but Clayton Beeter, used for only one difficult appearance this season, was recalled on Tuesday - and even warmed up when the series opener was in the balance. He'll likely be available behind Schlittler on Wednesday night, serving as a familiar face for his old Triple-A teammate.

The expectations Schlittler is about to shoulder are enormous; knowing the Yankees, they might try to piece together both the rookie's arrival and Luis Gil's looming return as their major "trade deadline additions". Hopefully, he manages them well, and is able to put up a start befitting of his hidden gem talent in his major league debut.