After making his Major League debut on Sunday afternoon, the Yankees optioned pitcher Domingo German to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
ROSTER MOVES: The Yankees option RHP Domingo German to Triple-A @swbrailriders. Prior to Monday’s game, will recall RHP Ben Heller from SWB.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) June 11, 2017
Earlier in the week, the Yankees decided to push Masahiro Tanaka‘s scheduled start back a day in hopes to get him back on track. In need of an extra starting pitcher, the club elected to go with Chad Green, who was limited to around 50 pitches.
German was called up for Sunday’s game to add depth to the Yankees’ bullpen. the 24-year-old has been stretched out as a starter in the minor leagues, so it was possible he could be used for multiple innings in relief if needed.
In his first big league action, German pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings, as he allowed just two hits. He threw 36 total pitches, 21 of which were for strikes.
After the game, German was optioned back to Triple-A, where he will continue to be used as a starting pitcher. In a corresponding move, Ben Heller was recalled to join the big league club.
Heller made 10 appearances for the Yankees in 2016, but has spent the first part of the season in the minor leagues. In 20 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Heller has posted a 2.60 ERA in 27.2 innings pitched.
Heller will join the Bronx Bombers as they head to the west coast for a seven-game road trip. They will take on the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game set starting on Monday night.
