The Yankees announced today that they have selected the contract of left-hander Josh Maciejewski. In corresponding moves, they optioned right-hander Jake Cousins and designated lefty Clayton Andrews for assignment.
The Yankees may be looking for an extra multi-inning option to have out of their bullpen. They leaned on Luke Weaver for 47 pitches on Saturday while Cousins threw 32 yesterday and three other hurlers also took the mound. Closer Clay Holmes and setup guy Ian Hamilton were able to stay on ice yesterday and each has only pitched once in the past four days, but many of their other relievers have seen heavy usage of late.
To get a fresh arm in the mix, Cousins has been optioned out and has been replaced by Maciejewski. The 28-year-old Maciejewski was a tenth-round selection of the Yankees in 2018. He’s never been one of the club’s top prospects but had a solid season last year. He tossed 45 2/3 innings over 30 appearances at three different levels, finishing the year with a collective earned run average of 2.96. He struck out 22.9% of batters faced while walking 8.5%. He’s made two Triple-A appearances already this year, tossing 4 2/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts and one walk.
To get Maciejewski onto the 40-man, the Yanks removed Andrews, who they acquired from the Brewers in February. Andrews, 27, has a tiny sample of major league experience. He made four appearances with the Brewers last year, allowing ten earned runs in 3 1/3 innings.
His work was naturally more impressive at the Triple-A level last year, as he had a 2.53 ERA in 57 frames. His 13% walk rate was definitely on the high side but he struck out 31.1% of batters faced and kept 45.7% of balls in play on the ground. But this year, he’s logged 3 2/3 innings for the Yankees’ Triple-A club, having allowed six earned runs while walking six opponents and striking out just two.
The Yanks will now have a week to trade Andrews or pass him through waivers. He still has a couple of options and was racking up strikeouts in the minors last year, which could give him appeal to a club looking for some extra depth. But if he were to pass through waivers unclaimed, the Yankees would be able to keep him around as non-roster depth.
I can hear the groans from the equipment manager even now.
Welcome back, Mister Mxyzptlk.
Jake Cousins is a bust. Time to look for a different re-tread.
Based on his 137 ERA+ or 4.34 FIP?
Many teams will look to pick up Cousins.
I don’t believe he can be picked up unless they removed him from the 40-man.
Josh Maciejewski isn’t a name. I’m pretty sure it’s a very clever slur.
Where is Pat Sajak when you need him? I know he’s 77 years old but can he pitch?
The merry go round is gonna be spinning all year. Would be great to see Rodon step up, but baby steps… He’s been adequate which is an improvement over last years 3 alarm dumpster fire.
I believe our starters combined have one victory for the season so far. Maybe it’s time to trade to get a pitcher that can go more than 4 1/3 innings. Jesus pitches for Miami tonight. Maybe after he’s done pitching he will cross the field and walk over to the Yankees bullpen.
Don’t I wish, bro. Out of nearly all the pitchers available, I feel like Jesus Luzardo would’ve been the best choice.
I don’t see Miami letting him go for anything less than a king’s ransom (not implying you were suggesting otherwise). But, most of all, I think Miami’s decimated rotation would prove to be a huge obstacle for trading him.
I get why the Yanks don’t want to trade off the farm for him though, particularly since SPs are so volatile.
It’s early April. Gotta watch the pitch counts and they’ve faced only teams with above-average lineups.
And the Yankees bombed him…twice…in last night’s game. Nah, he’s not ready for NY yet.
Yeah, he definitely doesn’t perform well against the Yankees. But, then again, he won’t be facing NY if he on the team :). Seriously though, yeah my comment didn’t age well….
Andrews gave of 6 earned runs and walked 6 in 3 2/3 innings at Triple A. Much better than I would have thought he’d do.
Dumbest GM in baseball, hands down! You never trade all your pitching for a one year rental package. Then pinch pennies on FA pitchers to fill the holes? It does no good to score 15 runs per game if you give up 20!
The Yankees have a 3.07 team ERA in 10 games which is good for #8 in MLB.
I read this in Frank “the Tank” Fleming’s voice
It’s worked so far !!!
I predict Michael King will have an outstanding year
Mark my works on your calendar for September
Excuse me, you seem to have used a picture of Bartolo Colon instead of the correct player.