The Yankees have started the process of clearing up roster spaces on their 40-man roster.
Today RHPs Blake Parker & Kirby Yates were claimed off waivers by the Angels. RHP Anthony Swarzak chose free agency in lieu of an outright.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) October 5, 2016
On Wednesday, the team announced that relief pitchers Blake Parker and Kirby Yates were claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels. In a separate transaction, right-handed pitcher Anthony Swarzak elected free agency.
The waiver claims of Parker and Yates are definitely not surprising. Former Yankees assistant general manager Billy Eppler is now the general manager of the Angels, and it’s certain that Eppler has a good feel for most players in the Yankees organization.
Parker was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners in August. The 31-year-old made 16 appearances for the Bronx Bombers, posting a 4.96 ERA in 16.1 innings pitched. Two rough outings hurt his overall numbers, but Parker was solid for the Yankees during his short tenure with the team.
Yates made the big league roster and was very good out of the bullpen early on. When his numbers started to decline, the 29-year-old split time between Triple-A and the big league club. In 41.1 innings pitched at the big league level, the right-hander posted a 5.23 ERA. His 41 appearances was third-most on the team, only behind Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller.
Instead of accepting an outright assignment to the minor leagues, Anthony Swarzak decided to test free agency.
The 31-year-old started the season in Triple-A as a starter/long reliever, but eventually made his way onto the big league roster. In 26 appearances out of the bullpen, Swarzak posted a 5.52 ERA. The right-hander had trouble keeping the ball in the ballpark, as he allowed 10 home runs in just 31 innings pitched. His season ended early, as he landed on the disabled list with rotator cuff inflammation.
Currently, the Yankees have four open spots on their 40-man roster. However, with seven players on the 60-day disabled list, the Yankees are still three over the offseason limit.
