Facing some difficult decisions with whom to keep on the 40-man roster, the Yankees traded right-hander Nick Rumbelow to the Mariners in exchange for a pair of minor-league pitchers.
The Yankees would have had to protect Rumbelow on the roster, which would have left them with just two open spots on the 40-man that must be set Monday.
And because of the depth in the organization, bolstered by prospects like Gleyber Torres and right-hander Albert Abreu, the Yankees face losing some young players.
Shipping Rumbelow to Seattle opens up a spot. The 26-year-old appeared in 17 games for the Yankees in 2015 and underwent Tommy John surgery in 2016.
In exchange for Rumbelow, the Yankees acquired lefty JP Sears and right-hander Juan Then.
The 21-year-old Sears was drafted this year in the 11th round from The Citadel and pitched well in relief in Class-A. In 17 appearances, Sears gave up just two earned runs in 27 2/3 innings, striking out 51.
Then, 17, made 13 starts in the Dominican Summer League for the Mariners this year.