The New York Yankees have been active in reshaping their bullpen recently, making strategic roster adjustments to optimize their pitching staff.
On Wednesday, they optioned Clayton Andrews back to Triple-A Scranton and welcomed back veteran Tommy Kahnle after he recovered from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him for several months. Kahnle immediately made an impact, pitching a flawless inning in Wednesday’s victory, showcasing his readiness to contribute at the major league level.
Yankees Adjust Bullpen with More Moves
The Yankees’ roster changes continued into Thursday when they outrighted Colby White, a former Tampa Bay pitching prospect, from the major league roster to Double-A Somerset. White had been kept on hand as an emergency option but will now focus on his development in Double-A, where he has had a rough start this season, recording a 27.00 ERA over just 0.2 innings.
Previously, White spent three years in Tampa Bay’s minor-league system, where he performed impressively in 2023 with a perfect ERA over 6.2 innings at their Double-A affiliate. Known for his ability to strike out batters, White achieved 11.74 strikeouts per nine innings this year, with Tampa’s Triple-A team over 7.2 innings before being claimed by the Yankees. Despite his strikeout capabilities, White has faced challenges with controlling runners on base and managing walks, areas he must improve to secure a more permanent role in the majors.
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As the summer deadline approaches, the Yankees are optimistic about the return of Lou Trivino and Scott Effross, further bolstering their bullpen, which has performed well despite the lack of established names. Under the guidance of pitching coach Matt Blake, the Yankees have excelled in identifying and cultivating undervalued talent, maintaining a competitive bullpen at a minimal cost.
Moving forward, the Yankees will monitor White’s progress in Double-A as they continue to refine their pitching strategies, keeping an eye on potential mid-season reinforcements to ensure their bullpen remains among the best in baseball.