The Diamondbacks have optioned Jonathan Albaladejo to Triple-A according to the team's transactions page. Arizona had designated the right-hander for assignment earlier this week, though his unique optional waivers situation keeps him on the 40-man roster. It's a procedural move similar to what the Athletics and Jerry Blevins went through multiple times last season.
Albaladejo, 29, allowed two hits in an inning of work last week, his only appearance of the season. He spent last season with the Yomiuri Giants and prior to that he had pitched for the Yankees and Nationals. Albaladejo owns a 4.10 ERA in 74 2/3 career innings and was part of the trade that sent Tyler Clippard to Washington five years ago.
Still confused as to why the Yankees never gave Clippard a chance, only to trade him for an older reliever, when neither were very highly regarded prospects.
Because Clippard was getting hit hard at the major and minor league levels and was displaying very little control in 2007. He only became decent once he started relieving.
The real question is why didn’t they just try Clippard out in the bullpen before trading him.
Didn’t check fangraphs and B-ref didn’t have his minor league stats. Completely forgot his whole minor league career he was a starter before he was traded.
That is a good question, though. They love ruining arms by throwing them back and forth from bullpen to rotation, why not give him a shot?
Interesting transaction procedure that I’ve never heard of. Learn something new everyday!