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Yankees release Jon Niese

The Yankees released left-hander Jon Niese on Sunday after an unimpressive spring training.

The 30-year-old signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Feb. 20th and was expected to compete for a spot in the bullpen. However, he pitched to a 4.50 ERA in six games and was clearly trailing other relievers in the bullpen competition.

Niese was once one of the better starters in the NL East, pitching to a 3.40 ERA in 190.1 innings for the Mets in 2012. The Mets traded him to the Pirates last offseason, and while returned to the Mets at the trade deadline, 2016 was a disaster of a season as he sported a 5.50 ERA in 121 innings.

Once again a free agent, it’ll be an uphill battle for Niese to find work, as he is also returning from a torn meniscus suffered last August. As for the Yankees, 38 players remain in camp, with more cuts on the way as Opening Day nears.