On Thursday afternoon, the Yankees announced that they have recalled left-handed pitcher Tyler Olson to add a fresh arm to the bullpen. In a corresponding move, the team announced that they have optioned outfielder Ben Gamel to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
ROSTER MOVES: The @Yankees have recalled LHP Tyler Olson from Triple-A Scranton/WB and optioned OF Ben Gamel to Scranton/WB.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) May 12, 2016
The move to add another pitcher to the bullpen is not surprising, especially because veteran left-hander Phil Coke threw 52 pitches in last night’s ball game. With Mark Teixeira returning to the lineup tonight, along with Jacoby Ellsbury coming closer to his return, the Yankees were able to option Gamel to help sure up their pitching staff for tonight’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals.
Gamel was called up when Ellsbury was injured, and saw limited playing time during his stint in the Bronx. The 23-year-old only appeared in five games for the Yankees, going 1-8 in his 9 plate appearances. If the Yankees need an outfielder to fill a void in the near future, expect Gamel to get consideration to return back to the Bronx.
Olson has already made his season debut for the Yankees, as he pitched 2.2 innings on April 15 against the Seattle Mariners. In six appearances in Triple-A, the 26-year-old has posted a 1-1 record with a 6.59 ERA.
With the Yankees set to face two left-handed pitchers in their upcoming series against the Chicago White Sox, don’t be surprised if more roster moves are on the way, especially if the club looks to bring up a right-handed hitter to help the team offensively.
