Yankees Ink Lefty Ryan Yarbrough to Major League Deal amidst Injury concerns
NEW YORK — The New York Yankees have signed left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough to a major league contract, adding crucial depth to their pitching staff as they grapple wiht injuries to key players. The deal guarantees Yarbrough $2 million and includes $250,000 in potential incentives. Due to the Yankees’ status in the top tier of luxury tax penalization, Yarbrough’s contract will cost the team a total of $4.2 million.
Yarbrough Released by Blue Jays, Quickly Snapped Up by New York
Yarbrough, 33, became a free agent after opting out of a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays granted him his release, paving the way for the Yankees to swoop in and secure the veteran left-hander.
AL East Veteran Brings Experience to Yankees Bullpen
With a important portion of his career spent in the American League East, primarily with the tampa Bay Rays (2018-2022), Yarbrough brings valuable experience to the Yankees. In 2024, he pitched for the Blue Jays after being acquired in a trade with the Los angeles Dodgers, posting a strong 2.01 ERA in 31 1/3 innings with a 22.2% strikeout rate and 6% walk rate.
Crafty Pitcher Relies on Soft Contact, Command
Yarbrough’s 2024 season saw him achieve a career-low 3.19 ERA over 98 2/3 innings. While his fastball velocity has decreased over the years, now averaging around 86.5 mph, he compensates with an unconventional delivery, exceptional command, and an ability to induce soft contact. He allowed hard contact on only 29.4% of balls in play last season.
Yarbrough’s Role: A Versatile Long Man
Throughout his 768 innings in the majors, Yarbrough has maintained a 4.21 ERA, a 18.7% strikeout rate, and a 5.5% walk rate. His experience as both a starter and a multi-inning reliever made him an attractive addition to the Yankees, whose starting rotation has been plagued by injuries this spring. While not expected to join the rotation, Yarbrough provides a reliable long relief option.
Gil to 60-Day IL; Yarbrough Formally Added
To make room for Yarbrough on the roster, the Yankees have placed Luis Gil on the 60-day injured list due to a lat strain. This move officially clears the way for Yarbrough to join the team.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
Yankees Ink Lefty Ryan Yarbrough to Major League Deal Amidst Injury Concerns: Q&A
This Q&A section clarifies details about the New York Yankees’ signing of Ryan Yarbrough, extracted from the provided article.
Q&A:
Q: Who did the Yankees sign?
A: The Yankees signed left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough to a major league contract.
Q: Why did the Yankees sign Yarbrough?
A: to add depth to their pitching staff due to injuries to key players.He provides a reliable long relief option.
Q: What are the financial details of Yarbrough’s contract?
A: The contract guarantees Yarbrough $2 million, with an additional $250,000 in potential incentives. Due to the yankees’ luxury tax status, the contract will cost the team $4.2 million.
Q: How did the Yankees acquire Yarbrough?
A: Yarbrough was released by the Toronto Blue Jays after opting out of a minor league deal. The Yankees then signed him as a free agent.
Q: what experience does Yarbrough bring to the Yankees?
A: He has extensive experience in the American League East, particularly with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has also played for the Blue Jays.
Q: What kind of pitcher is Ryan Yarbrough?
A: He is a crafty pitcher who relies on an unconventional delivery, exceptional command, and inducing soft contact. His fastball velocity is around 86.5 mph, but he compensates with his other skills.
Q: what role will Yarbrough likely play for the Yankees?
A: He is expected to serve as a versatile long reliever, providing multi-inning relief.
Q: What move did the Yankees make to accommodate Yarbrough?
A: They placed Luis Gil on the 60-day injured list due to a lat strain.
Q: What was Yarbrough’s ERA in 2024?
A: Yarbrough posted a strong 2.01 ERA in 31 1/3 innings with the Blue jays.
Q: Where did Yarbrough spend the majority of his career before the Blue jays and yankees?
A: With the Tampa Bay Rays (2018-2022).
Q: What is the meaning of his 2024 season for Yarbrough?
A: Yarbrough’s 2024 season saw him achieve a career-low 3.19 ERA over 98 2/3 innings.
Q: What is the importance of “soft contact” in baseball?
A: Soft contact results in weaker hits, increasing the chances of outs. Yarbrough’s ability to induce this helps offset perhaps lower fastball velocity.
Q: What exactly is the “luxury tax” in baseball?
A: The luxury tax is a penalty system in Major League Baseball that penalizes teams whose payrolls exceed a certain threshold.This can influence team’s spending decisions.
Q: What is the meaning of “long man” in baseball?
A: A “long man” is a relief pitcher who can be called upon to pitch multiple innings, frequently enough in situations where the starting pitcher struggles or the game goes into extra innings.
With injuries plaguing the Yankees, Yarbrough’s experience and versatility could be a crucial asset. Keep an eye on how he performs in his new role!
