Right-hander Ryan Weber has once again rejected an outright assignment in favor of free agency after clearing waivers, the Yankees announced Tuesday. New York designated Weber for assignment for the third time this season back on July 21.
Weber has gone unclaimed on waivers, rejected a minor league assignment and quickly returned to the Yankees on a new minor league deal following each of his prior DFAs, and it wouldn’t at all be surprising to see that same sequence pan out here. Declining the outright assignment is often a formality, allowing veterans of this ilk to quickly scan the league for potential immediate MLB opportunities and perhaps to negotiate a new opt-out date if they ultimately return to the same organization. It’s clear based on how the season has panned out that Weber is comfortable with the Yankees organization and that they find value in hanging onto him as an experienced depth option.
The 31-year-old Weber has now appeared in three games with the Yanks this season — one per stint — and pitched 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball. He’s punched out just two hitters in that time but also allowed only one walk and induced a massive 60.9% ground-ball rate. His most recent appearance saw him pitch three innings of shutout relief against the Red Sox.
Down in Triple-A this year, Weber has pitched to a 2.55 ERA in 24 2/3 innings while logging a terrific 19-to-1 K/BB ratio. Through parts of eight big league seasons, he has a 5.10 ERA 14.7% strikeout rate, 5.2% walk rate and 53.1% grounder rate in a total of 174 2/3 innings.
The orioles luck with the bullpen has to be running low, sign this guy and have him at the ready
The Orioles have talent in the BP and not luck. But I would not mind if they signed Weber
All aboard the Weber carousel!
It would be nice to hold on to him. He has pitched well this season. Unfortunately there have been a lot of injuries to the bullpen and Webber is a good depth piece.
I just bought a Weber grill.
I like him already for him sticking up for himself. Good luck Ryan – just about any team in the MLB could give you a spot.
Yet none ever do.
Weber is a good dude, he’ll land somewhere. I wish him my best, good guy.
Since he just passed through waivers it’s unlikely he gets a mlb deal but maybe he’ll snag a 40 spot upfront. Still a good chance of getting another call up with NY if he ultimately goes back.
Getting a 40-man spot, by definition, is getting a Major League deal. Also, Weber is out of minor league options, so a team can’t put him on the 40-man roster and assign him to Triple-A.
I hate being stupid.
The Rangers should be calling this guy. Although it’s understandable if he doesn’t answer that call.
The Rangers? Can he skate? 🙂
I think Webber has proven himself that he deserves a shot and I was hoping they would’ve kept him with the Yankees but I wish him well.
I’m sad Weber won’t get DFAed by the Yankees again for the 8th time
Ryan, you can check out, but you can never leave. See you soon.