With Luis Severino’s return, the New York Yankees had to find room for him on the roster. The club announced Tuesday that they have designated Breyvic Valera for assignment to find that room. Coming off the 60-day injured list, Severino is expected to play a significant part during the postseason if all goes well. They intend to work up his pitch count and innings, either returning as a starter or working out of the bullpen.
Severino signed a $40-million contract in February before suffering his injury during Spring Training. He had missed all season dealing with a rotator cuff, shoulder, and lat injuries. Severino had a 19-8 record last season with a 3.39 ERA and a 1.145 WHIP. He made his 2019 season debut Tuesday night where he went four innings with two hits, two walks, and four strikeouts.
Valera was claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants earlier this season, who’s been in the middle of the Yankees’ “next man up mentality.” In 12 games, Valera was slashing .219/.324/.313 (Baseball-Reference). In triple-A this season with the Yankees affiliate, Valera balled out. He batted .315 with 13 home runs and 49 runs batted in.
The 27-year-old has been with four different major league teams in three seasons including the Dodgers, Orioles, and Cardinals. The Dodgers sent him to the Orioles in the Manny Machado trade.
Valera will not have minor league options next year, so if there’s any team that wants him will have to add them to their 2020 roster or pass him through waivers again (MLB Trade Rumors).