The New York Yankees announced several roster moves on Sunday afternoon, including the signing of left-handed picture Anthony Banda.
With Nestor Cortes on the injured list due to a groin injury and Luis Severino still battling back from shoulder discomfort, Banda will serve as a last resort option for manager Aaron Boone out of the bullpen. It doesn’t help that Clay Holmes, Albert Abreu, Aroldis Chapman, and Miguel Castro are all on the IL as well.
The team also announced that they transferred Luis Gil to the 60-day injured list, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May.
Per the Yankees:
- Signed LHP Anthony Banda (#61) to a Major League contract and added him to the active roster.
- Recalled RHP Luis Gil and transferred him to the 60-day injured list.
At 29 years old, Banda has five years of MLB experience before the 2022 season. He pitched for Pittsburgh and Toronto before making his way to the Yankees this year, tallying 26 innings of action with a 5.88 ERA and 3.90 xFIP.
The left-handed relief pitcher also features a 74.3% left on base rate and 33. 3% ground ball rate. Banda utilizes a change-up, 4-seam fastball, sinker, and curveball as his primary pitches. Unfortunately, both his change-up and 4-seam fastball have been abysmal in 2022. Opposing batters are hitting .408 against his change-up and .452 against his fastball.
I wouldn’t expect to see Banda making an appearance for the Yankees unless they have no choice. After Aroldis Chapman’s injury, a leg infection stemming from a recent tattoo, they desperately needed more depth. At the very least, Banda is ramped up and can contribute immediately if need be.