After three straight disastrous outings by the bullpen, the Yankees shook up their relief corps before Wednesday’s game. It didn’t get any better.
Alfredo Aceves was designated for assignment and Preston Claiborne was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The pair was replaced by right-hander Jose Ramirez, recalled from SWB, and newly claimed lefty, Wade LeBlanc.
Both newcomers pitched in Wednesday’s 7-4 loss and both struggled. Ramirez, who got the loss, allowed one run in two innings, and LeBlanc allowed two runs in his one inning of work.
Shawn Kelley, out with a sore back, is scheduled to pitch in a rehab game with Double-A Trenton on Saturday and if all goes well, he could rejoin the pen on Monday in Kansas City.
“We’ll take a look at that outing and if he needs another one or he’s ready to go,” manager Joe Girardi said.
The bullpen had been one of the team’s strengths until a six-run ninth cost the Yankees a win on Sunday, followed by surrendering six runs in Monday’s loss and four more runs on Tuesday, when they blew another possible victory.
The Yankees have had high hopes for Ramirez since he opened eyes in spring training in 2013.
“He’s somewhat of a power guy with an outstanding changeup and a slider that’s become better,” Girardi said. “He has the ability to strike out people.”
LeBlanc has been used primarily as a long reliever and starter, but Girardi wouldn’t rule out calling on him as a lefty specialist.
“He’s a guy we need to get to know,” Girardi said.
“Hopefully I’ll make them look good,” LeBlanc said.
Aceves was mostly dreadful in his most recent stint in The Bronx.
He tossed 5 ¹/₃ scoreless innings in first outing with the Yankees, but was scored on in seven of his next nine appearances. The right-hander surrendered four runs in two innings in his last game on Monday.
Claiborne showed signs of promise, but coughed up multiple runs in two of his last five appearances.
Two of the main culprits in Tuesday’s loss, the previously steady Adam Warren and Dellin Betances, are still adjusting to their new roles, so it would be fair to wonder how they would respond to rough outings, but Girardi said he’s “not worried about it.”