The Yankees have activated left-hander Zack Britton and catcher Kyle Higashioka off the 10-day injured list, the team announced. Right-hander Miguel Yajure was optioned to the team’s alternate training site last night, and another roster spot was opened up when infielder Jordy Mercer was designated for assignment.
Britton’s back after landing on the IL on Aug. 20 with a strained left hamstring. As has been the case for most of his career, Britton pitched well before then, throwing nine innings of two-earned run ball with six hits and four walks allowed (nine strikeouts). He’ll now resume his role as the top setup man for closer Aroldis Chapman on a Yankees team that has been reeling of late.
Mercer had a brief run on the 40-man for the Yankees, who selected him Aug. 28 as they dealt with injured to middle infielders DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres (LeMahieu has since returned). Previously a regular with the Pirates and Tigers, Mercer went 2-for-11 as a Yankee with a pair of singles before they booted him from their roster.
Erik Kratz survives!
I wonder if Kratz will be Garcia’s personal catcher, at least until Garcia gets his feet wet.
I wonder if Cole could use one as well?
I’d really like to see Cole throw to someone other than Sánchez. It’s at least worth a look to see if that could improve things. Though he’s spoken highly of Gary, he’s been known to be particular about catchers in the past.
@Srechter if I’m being honest, I’d like to see the entire pitching staff throw to someone else.
We have to be honest Joe, if Sanchez is not going to hit ti his potential then the team should use a good catcher. As fans, we’ve put up with his poor defense, though he has made improvements, because he was hitting. However, he’s been too inconsistent over the past couple of years and a current .130 average is not going to cut it.
Sometimes Cashman falls too in love with certain guys who may not have it as much as he thinks. The recent list is long: Bird, Sanchez, Hicks, etc.
That love with Hicks paid off – great OBP and D
100% agree. Every pitcher does better when throwing to Kratz or Higgi. Can’t be a coincidence. It could just be they feel they can throw their full arsenal and know they may get a block once or twice.
@Joe Says…- of course he will. Kratz is like a father to Deivi. He has even called him “my son” Every time the Yankees play a doubleheader then Garcia is likely to be called up as an extra man and he will likely start. Garcia’s future looks very bright for sure. It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets even better start after start.
I’d have Sanchez DH 4 days a week until the injured return.
Only 4 why not 6 with one day off.
That was a quick look on Mercer.
Mercer barely had his cup of coffee with the Yankees.
Mercer was that airplane flight insurance policy.
When no longer needed, it’s of no value.