The Yankees added a third left-handed pitcher to their bullpen on Tuesday afternoon, recalling Chasen Shreve from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
Shreve started the season with the big-league club, but was optioned to the minors on April 11th. The Yankees played a 19-inning game against the Boston Red Sox the previous day, and manager Joe Girardi was forced to use Shreve for 3 1/3 innings out of the bullpen.
As Shreve was called on to pitch a lot during that ball game, the 24-year-old was optioned to Triple-A the next day to help keep the bullpen fresh. Matt Tracy was called up to replace Shreve on the active roster. Tracy allowed three runs, none earned, in his two innings of work, and was later designated for assignment by the team shortly after. Tracy was claimed on waivers by the Miami Marlins.
In his two appearances this season, Shreve allowed only one run on four hits in 4 2/3 innings pitched. In his short time in Triple-A, Shreve didn’t allow a run in his one appearance (2 1/3 innings pitched). The Yankees had to wait 10 days to recall Shreve from the minors, as Major League Baseball has a timetable when players are eligible to be recalled to their respective big-league club.
With Andrew Miller serving as the team’s closer, it helps to add an extra lefty into the bullpen. Shreve will now work with fellow left-hander Justin Miller, as it gives Girardi more options earlier in ball games, especially to face tough left-handed batters.
In a corresponding move, the Yankees optioned right-handed pitcher Branden Pinder back to Scranton.
