MLB

Yankees add veteran Qualls to bullpen

The Yankees have a new weapon against righty hitters.

With their bullpen suffering, thanks to Cory Wade’s recent struggles, the Yankees yesterday made a trade with the Phillies for righty reliever Chad Qualls, giving up either a player to be named later or cash for someone who has successfully handled righties this season.

Qualls, who went 1-1 with a 4.60 ERA in 35 games for the Phillies, had been designated for assignment on Thursday. But he had held righties to just a .250 average and a .660 OPS in 76 at-bats this year.

“Tough on right-handers,” manager Joe Girardi said. “We mix and match a little bit here.”

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Qualls, who turns 34 next month, is scheduled to join the Yankees at Tampa Bay today. The team will need to make room on the 25-man roster, and the likely move is that either Wade or recently recalled long man D.J. Mitchell will be optioned to Triple-A.

The Yanks made room for Qualls on the 40-man roster by designating infielder Matt Antonelli for assignment.

The Yankees have enjoyed success recently with cast-off relievers, including in the past year Clay Rapada, Cody Eppley and until recently, Wade.