Take a look at the fifth of an eight-part series covering the New York Yankees September call-ups and off-season outlook. Check out part one, part two, part three and part four.
Today’s topic covers the Yankees 2016-17 off-season DFA (Designate for Assignment) candidates.
Richard Bleier: In 16 games, Richard owns a 3.38 ERA and .304 batting average against. His stuff is not overpowering, and he has not missed many bats, giving up 17 hits in just 13.1 innings pitched. Bleier has provided a nice extra layer of bullpen depth down the stretch this season but has not performed well enough to be considered as a part of the 2017 Yankees bullpen.
Tommy Layne: Layne was signed on August 9th after being released by the Boston Red Sox. Since coming over to the Yankees, Layne has been a serviceable option out of the pen. He has made nine appearances, pitched 6.2 innings and sports a 2.70 ERA. Tommy has given up just two hits and held hitters to a .091 batting average against. This will be a slightly tougher call than designating Yates, Swarzak, Bleier and Barbato but still in the Yankees best interest. The organization simply has better talent that needs to be protected in the farm system. He would be a candidate to be brought back on a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.
Anthony Swarzak: Swarzak is currently on the 15-day disabled list with right rotator cuff inflammation. To date, Anthony has a 5.90 ERA in 25 relief appearances. Over 29 innings pitched, he has given up 28 hits, 19 earned runs and an opponent batting average of .257. Anthony just has not pitched well enough to justify Brian Cashman to keep a spot for him on the 40 man roster.
Tyler Yates: Yates has not performed well, he owns a 5.51 ERA in 34 games for the Yankees this season. Over 32.2 innings pitched, he has permitted 33 hits, 20 runs (all earned) and had an opponent batting average of .260. Look for Tyler to be designated for assignment to make room for some of the promising young Yankee prospects.
Johnny Barbato: Barbato has not pitched well at the major league level in 2016. Johnny has a 7.62 ERA over 13 appearances and an opponent batting average of .260. He has given up 13 hits, 11 earned runs over 13 innings pitched. On a positive side, he has shown good stuff and has struck out 15 batters. Barbato has been better pitching for Scranton but has just been too inconsistent. Look for the Yankees to cut ties with the former 6th round draft pick this winter to make room on the 40 man roster for one of the Yankees extremely talented Rule V eligible prospects.
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