BALTIMORE -- The New York Yankees' bullpen, particularly its middle relievers, has had a revolving door lately, with new guys constantly being shuffled in and out, and Saturday was no exception.
Before Game 2 of their three-game series against the Orioles, the Yankees bade farewell for now to left-hander Jacob Lindgren, their No. 1 draft pick from last year who had been fast-tracked to the majors in late May but had gotten smacked around recently, allowing a crushing, two-run homer to Michael Taylor in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals and a solo HR to Caleb Joseph in Friday's 11-3 loss to the Orioles.
And after the game Friday night, the Yankees outrighted right-hander Esmil Rogers, who was ineffective in long relief.
In their place, the Yankees recalled RHP Jose Ramirez from Triple-A Scranton, where he was 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA, and also had eight saves, and signed 31-year-old RHP Sergio Santos, a veteran of three teams (Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, L.A. Dodgers) who was released by the Dodgers on June 6. Originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks as a shortstop, Santos had shoulder surgery in 2012 and elbow surgery in 2013 but says he is healthy now.
"When you get injured, it’s tough to get consistent innings and get in a rhythm," he said. "But I’ve been healthy now for quite a while, and I feel good. I've thrown every inning and been healthy all season."
Santos appeared in 12 games for the Dodgers and was 0-0 with a 4.73 ERA in 13⅓ innings in which he struck out 15, but walked seven. The Dodgers designated him for assignment on May 27 and he cleared waivers thereafter. His best season was 2011, when he had 30 saves for the White Sox. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he did not have a set role in mind for Santos yet.
“We’ll try to get him in slowly," Girardi said. "We’re seeing right-handers, so we’re going to need him. He’s a guy that has closed and had some success and we have to get him back on track. He’s got a swing-and-miss slider, but you have to get in counts to be able to use it.”
