Rounding up the latest minor moves:
- The Yankees announced last night that left-hander Tyler Lyons has been outrighted to the alternate training site. Rookie right-hander Miguel Yajure was recalled in his place. New York just selected Lyons to its roster earlier this week. The veteran got into one game, allowing four runs (all earned) on three hits and a walk in 1.2 innings against the Blue Jays on Wednesday. That marked an eighth straight season of MLB action for Lyons, who has a career 4.30 ERA/4.06 FIP in 162 appearances. Because Lyons was sent to the alternate site, he is eligible to return to the Yankees this season.
Yajure is here to give some length if needed since two rookies, Garcia and Schmidt, are starting the last two games.
No idea how this impacts pitchers on the postseason roster. The Yankees would have looked at Schmidt more extensively if they were serious about him making the postseason roster, not waiting until the last game of the year. He’d be unavailable for round one, which begins on Tuesday and is over by Thursday, since he’s starting Sunday. Maybe an option for round two if they make it and need a rested arm who can give length. Not impossible if the bullpen is heavily used in the short series.
The 9 lives of a lefty reliever.
Another significant MiLb move from yesterday is transforming the Appalachian League from a short-season advanced rookie league (with all teams owned by MLB clubs) into a college wood bat league. The Pioneer League is soon to follow.