The Yankees lone trade deadline acquisition Dustin Ackley has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a herniated disk in his back. Pitcher Caleb Cotham will replace Ackley on the active roster. Before the injury, Ackley had appeared in two games since joining the Yankees. It is believed the newest Yankee will miss 20-30 days with the injury.
The Yankees have placed Dustin Ackley on the DL with a right lumbar strain. Caleb Cotham is being recalled from @swbrailriders.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) August 4, 2015
The 27-year-old utility man was acquired by the Yanks from the Mariners in a deal that sent Ramon Flores and Jose Ramirez to the M’s. While appearing in two games during their most recent 10-game road trip, Ackley saw three at-bats vs. the Chicago White Sox while going 0-3. Before coming over to the Yankees, he posted a .215 average with six homeruns.
In trading for the left handed batter, the Bronx Bombers hoped the short porch in right field would bring Ackley’s bat to life. His lifetime average of .296 at Yankee Stadium is his second best mark at any stadium during his five year career with at least 45 at-bats. The Yanks will have to see if that power and average can be restored once he comes of the DL.
Ackley had epidural. Yankees don’t expect him back for 20-30 days. If epidural doesn’t take surgery could be an option #yankees
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) August 4, 2015
Cotham, 27, is making his second appearance in the big leagues this season, he was called up earlier in the year on July 29th. He tossed 1 2/3 shutout innings of relief vs. the Texas Rangers. After the game, he was sent back down to the minors. The former fifth-round pick in 2009 is 5-2 in the minors while owning a 2.11 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A this season. He has been efficient in striking out 54 batters and giving up 10 walks during 47 innings of work.
