In the wake of the the Michael Pineda suspension, the Yankees now have a bigger need for more pitching. This afternoon they made some moves accordingly. The team has optioned SS Dean Anna and relief pitcher Preston Claiborne down to Triple-A Scranton. To fill the empty spots they have signed right handed pitcher Bruce Billings to a Major League contract and activated him to the 25-man roster. They also recalled righty Shane Greene for Scranton. Both pitchers will be in the bullpen for tonight’s game. Some people are a little surprised about the Anna move, but right now it’s a numbers game and last night’s incident didn’t do any favors for the already stretched out bullpen. Im sure we will see Anna again this season, but for right now we need to make sure there is sufficient pitching. Anna was the backup to Derek Jeter, my guess now it will be Yangervis Solarte or platoon of player. Jeter has only come out of a few blowouts that the Yankees have been involved in. We will see who is into play short the next day off Jeter gets.
They also shifted Ivan Nova to the 60-day disabled list. After a third opinion from famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews, Nova has decided to have the Tommy John procedure, officially ending his 2014 campaign. He will go under the knife Tuesday and it will be performed by Dr. Andrews in Alabama.
Quick notes on Pineda. Joe Girardi said this afternoon that they will not appeal the suspension. “Its a good news, bad news situation but now we can put it behind us.” Girardi said on his weekly radio spot. Luckily the way the schedule falls, the team will only need to fill one start. That start will be in Anaheim on Tuesday May 6th. Girardi said he has an idea of who the pitcher will be, but would not say who it will be just yet.
