Jose Pirela Optioned to Triple-A

In wake of the return of shortstop and utility man Brendan Ryan, the New York Yankees have announced Jose Pirela will be optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Yankees Triple-A affiliate. Before the move, the Yankees had four middle infielders on the roster including Didi Gregorius, Stephen Drew, Ryan, and Pirela. The move will make room for the Yankees to potentially call up an extra outfielder or a pitcher with Andrew Miller heading to the 15-Day DL.

Following today’s game, the #Yankees optioned INF Jose Pirela to Triple-A @swbrailriders.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) June 10, 2015

  Pirela, 25, started in Wednesday's game vs. the Washington Nationals as they dropped the home game 5-4 in 11 innings. Pirela went 0-2 with a strikeout and a walk. Brendan Ryan collected two hits including a triple and a single. He also drove in a run. Pirela at the Major Leauge level this season is hitting .255 with a .273 on base-percentage in 43 at-bats. He hit his first career home run vs. the Los Angeles Angels on June 7th. Pirela has been in the Yankees organization his entire career. The Yankees are also expected to promote relief pitcher Chris Martin to the big leagues for Friday's game against the Orioles to add more depth to the bullpen. Martin has appeared in 15 games this season for the Yankees pitching 12.2 innings with a 3.55 ERA. He has 13 strikeouts compared to three walks this season in the Majors. 

  As we reported on post game, expect Chris Martin to join Yankees on Friday. — Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) June 10, 2015

  In a bullpen that features only two right-handed relievers, the Yankees will be adding a third right-handed arm to the mix to go along with Esmil Rogers and Dellin Betances until Andrew Miller is able to return off of the DL.