After exiting last night’s ballgame with a hamstring injury, the Yankees have announced that they have placed Alex Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right hamstring. To replace Rodriguez on the roster, the team also announced that they have called up left-handed pitcher James Pazos from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
ROSTER MOVES: Placed DH Alex Rodriguez on the 15-day DL w/ a strained right hamstring, recalled LHP James Pazos from @swbrailriders
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) May 4, 2016
After undergoing an MRI on Tuesday morning, it was found that Rodriguez was not going to be able to avoid time on the disabled list. The news is not good for the Yankees, especially since the team’s offense has been struggling to produce runs as of late. Over the last 10 games, the Yankees offense has averaged just 2.6 runs per game, and have a 3-7 record over that span.
With Rodriguez out of the lineup, it’s likely that Aaron Hicks will serve as the team’s right fielder, with Carlos Beltran getting some playing time as the designated hitter. Manager Joe Girardi also has more flexibility with Rodriguez out, as he can use the designated hitter spot to give some key veteran players rest while keeping their bats in the lineup.
Pazos, 24, saw some time with the big league club in 2015, and will look to help provide some quality innings for a bullpen that has been called upon a lot this season so far. In 9 games in Triple-A, Pazos has posted a 1-1 record with a 3.00 ERA.
Pazos might not be with the big league club for long, as the team will most likely have to add another position player into the mix. Until Rodriguez is able to return, look for the Yankees to utilize the extra roster spot to their advantage, as they have the ability to fill the spot based on what they need to help bolster the roster for the time being.
