According to Jack Curry of the YES Network, free-agent reliever Ernesto Frieri worked out for the Yankees today and expects to sign a minor-league contract with them tomorrow.
The 31-year-old hasn’t pitched in the Majors since 2015 with the Tampa Bay Rays, but recently pitched in the Venezuelan Winter League as well as for Colombia in the World Baseball Classic.
Frieri was one of the game’s best relievers from 2010-2013 thanks in large part to his 11.6 K/9 career rate. However, he gives up his fair share of walks and is by no means a groundball pitcher (26.2%), so pitching in Yankee Stadium would be a challenge.
Regardless, the Yankees are considering Frieri for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.
RHP Ernesto Frieri will have a legit chance to make the #Yankees roster, Joe Girardi said.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 16, 2017
In all likelihood, Frieri will start the season in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and serve as organization relief depth. But if he can return to overpowering Major League hitters, the Yankees would take that in a heartbeat.
