As the Yankees prepare to face the Oakland Athletics on Friday, they made a few notable roster changes, including the return of Cody Poteet from the injured list and the surprising decision to designate a promising bullpen arm for assignment.
Cody Poteet Returns from Injury
Cody Poteet has been rehabilitating from a triceps injury that landed him on the 60-day injured list. Before the setback, Poteet had pitched 21 innings for the Yankees, posting an impressive 2.14 ERA, 5.54 strikeouts per nine innings, an 84.2% left-on-base rate, and a 44.3% ground-ball rate.
Now healthy, Poteet will rejoin the Yankees bullpen, offering valuable depth and the potential to start if needed. His return comes at a crucial time as the team looks to preserve its high-leverage arms for the playoff stretch. Poteet features a diverse pitch mix that includes a fastball, sinker, and sweeper, making him a versatile option out of the bullpen.
Ron Marinaccio Designated for Assignment
In a corresponding move, the Yankees designated Ron Marinaccio for assignment—a surprising decision considering his strong performance during the 2022 season. Marinaccio posted a stellar 2.05 ERA over 44 innings last year and was viewed as one of the Yankees’ most promising bullpen arms.
However, Marinaccio’s performance has declined significantly since then. In 2023, he logged a 3.99 ERA, and this season, over 23.1 innings, he recorded a 3.86 ERA. One of the most concerning factors was the sharp drop in his strikeout rate, coupled with a career-high 1.54 runs allowed per nine innings. His once-dominant changeup, which was a key weapon in his arsenal, has lost velocity and movement, turning it into more of a liability than an asset.
Yankees Focus on Playoff Preparation
The Yankees’ decision to release Marinaccio, while surprising, reflects their focus on preparing for the postseason. With Poteet’s return, the team is looking to bolster its bullpen with players who can make a positive impact down the stretch. The Yankees have a track record of finding value in unheralded players, and they appear confident that Marinaccio’s roster spot could be better utilized elsewhere.
It remains possible that Marinaccio clears waivers and is outrighted to the Yankees’ Triple-A roster. However, with the playoffs around the corner, the Yankees need to ensure they have the best possible bullpen configuration to compete in high-stakes games.
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As the Yankees move forward, these roster adjustments are designed to maximize their chances of making a deep postseason run while maintaining flexibility and depth in their pitching staff.