The Yankees have called up outfielder Thomas Neal and RHP Chris Bootcheck from Triple-A Scranton prior to tonight’s game with the Angels. 3B Kevin Youkilis was once again placed on the DL with a recurring back issue. Adam Warren, who pitched very well in yesterday’s marathon, was optioned down to make room on the roster.
Bootcheck was 5-2 with a 3.32 ERA as a starter for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this year. Originally drafted by the Angels in 2000, he made his debut with the Halos in 2003. However, Bootcheck hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since ’09.
Neal, 25, put up a batting line of .339/.426/.446 with two homers and 24 RBI with Scranton over 47 games this year. He made his Major League debut last season with the Indians, playing in nine games and hitting .217 with two RBI. He will mostly see action at DH against lefties.
The Yankees play the Angels tonight from Anaheim and will face lefty C.J. Wilson. There is no word yet if Neal is in the starting lineup. Bootcheck will be the long-man out of the bullpen, as he was originally scheduled to start tonight for the RailRiders.
