New York Yankees Flurry of Roster Moves For September Call Ups

It's September so the rosters have expanded from 25 players to 40 players and the Yankees, as expected, had a flurry of roster moves today before their game with the Boston Red Sox. New York called up RHP's Chaz Roe, Chase Whitley, Bryan Mitchell, and Preston Claiborne, LHP Rich Hill, catcher John Ryan Murphy, and outfielders Antoan Richardson and Chris Young.

To make room on the 40 man roster the Yankees transferred Masahiro Tanaka and Slade Heathcott to the 60 day DL and designated Zoilo Almonte for assignment. Matt Daley was also released. What?

This roster will definitely put the Yankees over the top while evaluating the future of the farm system all at once. /endsarcasm.

Article Revisit: Possible 2014 September Call Ups

We have posted one article this month already showcasing some of the possible call ups for the Yankees this September but a lot can change between then and now so we are in need of a mulligan.

First let's take a complete look at the players on the 40 man roster that are not on the active roster:

Manny Banuelos

Zoilo Almonte

Bryan Mitchell

Gary Sanchez

Zelous Wheeler

Austin Romine

Now let's look at the players currently injured and on the disabled list that are likely to be back before 9/1:

Preston Claiborne 

Ramon Flores 

Matt Daley

John Ryan Murphy

And finally the players (likely) lost for the season:

Jose Campos 

Slade Heathcott 

Jose Ramirez

Andrew Bailey

Looking at this list I can see Almonte, Mitchell, Wheeler, Romine, Claiborne, Daley, and Murphy being called up in the first weeks of September, if not right away. Sanchez is unlikely to come up this September, especially with likely four catchers already in the Bronx by the time the season ends, and Flores is unlikely to come up with the outfielder logjam the team already faces.

There could always be a Robert Refsnyder, Jose Pirela, Kyle Roller, Tyler Webb, James Pasoz, Jacob Lindgren, Nik Turley, etc. added to the 40 man roster and called up but the Yankees seem stingy with these spots. They also don't like to start the clocks of players unless they absolutely have to so I wouldn't exactly look out for that either.

Reinforcements are on the way but they aren't likely to be enough. It's inventory time in New York.

Article Revisit: Potential Roster Moves For September Call Ups

ORIGINALLY SEEN HERE 

Rosters expand just two days from today as we turn the calendar to September and the New York Yankees are allowed 40 active roster players, not just 25. While we have all heard the names of Kyle Roller, Jacob Lindgren, Robert Refsnyder, Jose Pirela, Tyler Webb, and others we haven't discussed much who could potentially be coming off the roster to accommodate these players.

Just looking at the Yankees 40 man roster more than a few players are injured and lost for the season and a simple 60 day DL transfer away from clearing a roster spot. Players like Jose Campos, who is out with Tommy John surgery, and Slade Heathcott, who had another season ending surgery, Masahiro Tanaka, who just had a setback while rehabbing a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, and Jose Ramirez, who knows what is wrong with him this time, could easily be transferred to make room on the active roster.

Players who could potentially be cut since they are taking away valuable innings and development time from the prospects in the farm include Matt Daley and Brendan Ryan if you want to stretch a little.

The great part about the way the Yankees have been constructing their roster is that so many players are extremely flexible and versatile allowing Brian Cashman and company a plethora of options including the ones we discussed above.

Two more days, stay tuned.

Potential Roster Moves To Accommodate September Call Ups

Rosters expand just two days from today as we turn the calendar to September and the New York Yankees are allowed 40 active roster players, not just 25. While we have all heard the names of Kyle Roller, Jacob Lindgren, Robert Refsnyder, Jose Pirela, Tyler Webb, and others we haven't discussed much who could potentially be coming off the roster to accommodate these players.

Just looking at the Yankees 40 man roster more than a few players are injured and lost for the season and a simple 60 day DL transfer away from clearing a roster spot. Players like Jose Campos, who is out with Tommy John surgery, and Slade Heathcott, who had another season ending surgery, Masahiro Tanaka, who just had a setback while rehabbing a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, and Jose Ramirez, who knows what is wrong with him this time, could easily be transferred to make room on the active roster.

Players who could potentially be cut since they are taking away valuable innings and development time from the prospects in the farm include Matt Daley and Brendan Ryan if you want to stretch a little.

The great part about the way the Yankees have been constructing their roster is that so many players are extremely flexible and versatile allowing Brian Cashman and company a plethora of options including the ones we discussed above.

Two more days, stay tuned.

September Call Ups 2014: Redux

We have posted one article this month already showcasing some of the possible call ups for the Yankees this September but a lot can change between then and now so we are in need of a mulligan.

First let's take a complete look at the players on the 40 man roster that are not on the active roster:

Manny Banuelos

Zoilo Almonte

Bryan Mitchell

Gary Sanchez

Zelous Wheeler

Austin Romine

Now let's look at the players currently injured and on the disabled list that are likely to be back before 9/1:

Preston Claiborne 

Ramon Flores 

Matt Daley

John Ryan Murphy

And finally the players (likely) lost for the season:

Jose Campos 

Slade Heathcott 

Jose Ramirez

Andrew Bailey

Looking at this list I can see Almonte, Mitchell, Wheeler, Romine, Claiborne, Daley, and Murphy being called up in the first weeks of September, if not right away. Sanchez is unlikely to come up this September, especially with likely four catchers already in the Bronx by the time the season ends, and Flores is unlikely to come up with the outfielder logjam the team already faces.

There could always be a Robert Refsnyder, Jose Pirela, Kyle Roller, Tyler Webb, James Pasoz, Jacob Lindgren, Nik Turley, etc. added to the 40 man roster and called up but the Yankees seem stingy with these spots. They also don't like to start the clocks of players unless they absolutely have to so I wouldn't exactly look out for that either.

Reinforcements are on the way but they aren't likely to be enough. It's inventory time in New York.

Bryan Mitchell Being Called Up To Major Leagues

E. Rogers will be #Yankees 12th SP of ’14 when he pitches tomorrow. RHP Bryan Mitchell, scratched tonight at AAA, being promoted to majors.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 7, 2014

According to Mr. Bow Tie Ken Rosenthal the Yankees plan to call up Bryan Mitchell from Triple-A Scranton to be available out of the bullpen tomorrow night in the Bronx. No word on the corresponding roster move but I am hoping that Rich Hill goes down and gets designated for assignment. It will likely be Matt Daley that gets the ax but a guy can dream, right?

David Phelps Added To 15 Day DL, Daley Recalled

David Phelps has been placed on the 15 day disabled list with elbow inflammation, Matt Daley has been called up to take his 25 man roster place. Manager Joe Girardi has not announced who will take Phelp's spot in the rotation for the next two or three starts but it seems unlikely that it will be Michael Pineda. Esmil Rogers seems like the obvious candidate right now. Stay tuned...

Yankees Option Miller and Daley To Triple-A

The New York Yankees designated both Matt Daley and Jim Miller for assignment this week and both have cleared waivers. Both players have been assigned to Triple-A with the Scranton Wilkes Barre RailRiders. I believe both players can accept their outright options or they can elect free agency but don't quote me on it.

Shawn Kelley Activated, Matt Daley Optioned To AAA

The New York Yankees and their bullpen just got a shot in the arm as Shawn Kelley has finally been activated off the 15 day DL with a back injury. The Yankees will option Matt Daley to Triple-A Scranton to make room on the 25 man roster for Kelley. The Yankees bullpen just got a fresh arm, their 8th inning man, and a huge upgrade at the end of the game. Great news.

Phelps Gives Up Seven Runs in Frustrating Loss to Royals

After watching him toss a 1-2-3, two-strikeout bottom of the first, you'd think Yankees Pitcher David Phelps would do well tonight.

The long-reliever-turned-starter, 0-3 in his last three starts, was going up against a struggling Royals offense, one that you'd want to face if you were in his position.

That didn't happen though, as the young right-hander ended up surrendering 7 earned runs in just 5.2 innings in an 8-4 loss.

Going into the bottom of the second, as I already said, Phelps seemed to be doing alright, but to start off that frame #41 couldn't get anyone out, surrendering 4 consecutive hits and 5 total in the at-bat to put the Bombers in an early 3-0 hole. 

That deficit, though not huge, held up for KC until the top of the sixth, when the Pinstripes rallied to tie thanks to an RBI Double from Carlos Beltran (his first hit since coming off the DL) and a 2-Run Single from Yangervis Solarte, both coming with two outs.

Unfortunately, the contest wouldn't stay even for long, with the Royals retaking the lead in the bottom of that frame thanks to a 3-Run Homer from Salvador Perez.

That shot to left helped take Starter Danny Duffy (ND; 5.2 IP, 3 ER), who had recently blown the lead, off the spot, and pretty much put the game out of reach, with the Yanks only scoring once more on the night when Brian Roberts grounded out in the ninth.

Note: After Matt Daley gave up another run in the bottom of the seventh, rookie Jose Ramirez entered the ballgame, tossing a scorless 1.1 innings. It wasn't perfect by any means, as the youngster did walk a batter, but overall, the outing was still successful, with 14 of Ramirez's 26 pitches going for strikes.

Yankees Set-Up Man Kelley Likely Out Two More Weeks

Yep, more bad news.

Despite the fact that he was supposed to come back for this weekend's White Sox series, Yankees Set-Up Man Shawn Kelley (back) will likely be out two more weeks, The Newark Star Ledger's Jorge Castillo reports. 

Kelley, who is eligible to come off the 15-Day DL today, suffered a set back on Tuesday, causing him to miss his scheduled rehab activities (games of catch, bullpen sessions).

Because of that, #27 will have to do everything over again this week, keeping him out the extra time.

“If he did everything he was supposed to this week, he would’ve been back maybe tomorrow,” team Manager Joe Girardi told Castillo yesterday. “So we were going to take a week, but with the extra week, it probably takes a little longer.”

Right now, as you all know, the Yankees bullpen is still doing alright, with minor-leaguer Matt Daley and veteran Matt Thornton filling in nicely for Kelley.

Lately, the two have pitched seventh innings, with Adam Warren moving up to the eighth. 

Due to that switch, it again appears that the team can withstand the loss of Kelley, as the rest of their relievers seem good enough to carry the temporary extra load.

Kelley suffers setback; will now miss more than 15 days

Yankees Set-Up Man Shawn Kelley suffered a setback Tuesday and will now miss more than the originally scheduled 2 weeks, The Star Ledger's Jorge Castillo reports. 

Kelley, who hadn't appeared in a game since May 5's loss in Anaheim, was scheduled to play catch yesterday, before throwing a bullpen session tomorrow and a simulated game on Saturday.

However, back soreness Tuesday morning put that whole schedule on hold, causing #27 to be temporarily shut down and making his return date a mystery. 

The 30-year-old, 1-2 with a 3.52 ERA in 15.1 frames of work so far this season, usually pitches eighth innings for the Bombers when healthy, so his being gone is definitely not a welcome sign. Currently, sophomore Adam Warren has acted as the team's top/bottom of the eighth guy, although doing so leaves the club vulnerable in the still-important seventh, where recent signee Alfredo Aceves has struggled mightily. 

And considering that the alternative option there is minor-leaguer Matt Daley, this news really is terrible. The Pinstripes are already pretty beat up now, so hearing that they won't get Kelley back for this weekend's White Sox series has got to be frustrating for the coaching staff.

Kuroda's quality start leads Yankees to 4-3 win over Pirates

Thank God for first and second innings.

Hiroki Kuroda, entering this start just 2-3 with a 4.62 ERA, threw 6 innings of three-run ball as the Yankees, helped out by another four-out save from David Robertson, slipped past the Pirates in today's Game 1, 4-3.

The second hitter Kuroda faced this afternoon, Neil Walker, actually homered to right field, putting the Yanks in an early 1-0 hole. 

That period of trailing, however, would quickly end for the hometown Bombers, who scored a combined 4 runs in their first two at-bats thanks to a 2-run Single from Mark Teixeira, an RBI Single from Brian McCann, and an RBI Double from Brett Gardner. 

Those three plays would put the Pinstripes up 4-1, with that score staying the same until the top of the fifth, when Pittsburgh drove home a pair to bring the game to within one. 

That'd be as close as the visitors would get though, as Matt Daley induced two flyouts on just three pitches in the top of the seventh followed by an inning-ending strikeout from Matt Thornton.

In the eighth, Right-Hander Adam Warren also appeared for the Yankees, picking up two outs to set up Robertson's three-strikeout save, his eighth in as many opportunities this season.

5 home runs, solid start from Phelps help Yankees blowout Pirates

It wasn't pretty, but I'm sure David Phelps'll take it.

The young right hander, coming off a rough start last Sunday in Milwaukee in which he gave up 4 earned runs in 5+ frames, threw 100 pitches through 5 shutout innings today, as the Yankees beat up the visiting Pirates by a dominant score of 7-1.

During those five at-bats, Phelps actually let 9 of the 22 hitters he faced reach base, yet didn't allow a run due to a solid 5 strikeouts.

After his departure, Relievers Dellin Betances (ER, 2 innings), Adam Warren (0 R, 1 inning), and Matt Daley (0 R, 1 inning) combined to get the last nine outs, and, thanks to five home runs from 1B Mark Teixeira (2-run), LF Zoilo Almonte, CF Brett Gardner, RF Alfonso Soriano, and Catcher Brian McCann (also a 2-run) the Yanks emerged victorious. 

That shot from Teixeira, his 9th of the year, was interestingly the 350th of his career, putting the Yanks up 2-0.

In the end, that would be all the Pinstripes would need, but still, the rest were definitely cool.

In particular, Almonte's brought a rush of excitement to those watching, as it easily cleared the first section of the right-center field stands.

CC Sabathia Placed On DL w/ Fluid In Knee

CC Sabathia has been placed on the 15 day DL with fluid build up in his right knee. Matt Daley has been called up to take his place on the 25 man roster. CC had an MRI on the knee after last nights loss and fluid was seen but no tear was present thankfully. Alfredo Aceves seems headed to the mound to take his spot in the rotation, although obviously all of this is subject to change.

Things are subject to change because soon after CC's news was announced Scranton Wilkes Barre's Chase Whitley had his start scratched for an unknown reason. Whitley is not on the 40 man roster so a roster move would need to be made and also one of Daley, Preston Claiborne, etc will have to head back down to AAA.

I don't think fluid in the knee explains his disastrous up and down season but let's hope the rest and rehab can help right the ship.

Matt Daley Outrighted To AAA Scranton

Matt Daley was designated for assignment over the weekend and has cleared waivers and will accept an outright to the minor leagues. Daley pitched in one game in the majors, throwing 41 pitches, and will now spend time back with the Scranton RailRiders. It's great to keep a guy like this in the system just in case we need him a little later in the season.

Quick Hit: The David Robertson Decision

David Robertson is expected to be activated from the disabled list tomorrow for the series with the Boston Red Sox, who goes back down to AAA to make room for D Rob on the roster? It was originally thought that Vidal Nuno, who made the spot start yesterday, would be the one to go down but that was before Cesar Cabral was designated for assignment to make room for Matt Daley. Do the Yankees leave Matt Thornton as the only left handed relief pitcher in the bullpen for David Ortiz and the Red Sox?

I think unfortunately they have to. Matt Daley doesn't have a minor league option left and Shawn Kelley, Dellin Betances, David Phelps, Adam Warren, and Matt Thornton seem like absolute locks for the bullpen. It seems more and more likely that Nuno, who will probably not be available until Thursday, will be sent down for David Robertson. After that what move gets made to make room to bring back Nuno, if any, will get very interesting.

Mark Teixeira Added To Roster, Scott Sizemore Down

The New York Yankees have activated Mark Teixeira from the 15 day DL and will have him in the lineup this afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays. Scott Sizemore will be sent down using his last minor league option. Just as a reminder Sizemore's opt out dates have disappeared since his contract was purchased and he was called up to the big league roster.

In other Yankees roster moves it looks like Matt Daley is headed back down to AAA after throwing 41 pitches last night. This will make room for Bryan Mitchell on the roster. Ivan Nova will be added to the 15 day DL to make room for Preston Claiborne.

Got it all? Good, hopefully I didn't confuse you too much.

Yankees Call Up Preston Claiborne & Bryan Mitchell

The New York Yankees are short on arms these days and will be even shorter after Vidal Nuno throws in today's start so they have called up Preston Claiborne and Bryan Mitchell for insurance. No corresponding moves have been made but you would have to think Ivan Nova is headed to the disabled list after leaving last night's start with elbow soreness. The other move has to be either sending Dellin Betances or Matt Daley down for the fresh arm. I would hope it would be Daley and not Betances but I am unsure if Daley has a minor league option remaining but I do know Betances has one left unfortunately. Stay tuned.

Ivan Nova Leaves Game In 5th w/ Elbow Soreness

UPDATE: The official word with why Nova left the game is elbow soreness. Stay tuned.

Ivan Nova has left his start against the Tampa Bay Rays in the 5th inning after throwing just 82 pitches due to some sort of unreleased injury. Nova had not been sharp all night and gave up four home runs including a couple two run home runs to the Rays. Joe Girardi came out and talked to Nova and you could clearly see Nova trying to make his case to stay in the game but Girardi did not hear what he wanted to obviously and brought in Matt Daley.

Stay tuned as we will bring you an update when it is available.