New York Yankees cut struggling relief pitcher

Kevin Hickey

New York Yankees cut struggling relief pitcher image

The New York Yankees recalled right-handed pitcher Ron Marinaccio from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and designated Dennis Santana for assignment, the team announced Sunday.

Santana has been struggling in recent outings and has had two very long outings this week alone. In 27.1 innings pitched across 23 appearances, Santana has a 6.26 ERA with 19 strikeouts and 10 walks.

Over his last seven games, Santana has a 10.38 ERA in 8.2 innings pitched. During that stretch he's allowed 13 hits and 10 earned runs.

MORE: How Yankees ace Gerrit Cole pitched in his second rehab outing

Santana was out of options, which is one of the reasons he made the roster following spring training. In the next seven days of the transaction, Santana can either be traded or placed on outright or unconditional release waivers.

Marinaccio will provide some much-needed bullpen help for the Yankees after they've burned through several of their arms during the weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Yankees made a questionable move earlier in the season by optioning Marinaccio despite his 1.52 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 12.2 innings pitched.

Regardless, it's likely Marinaccio will get an inning or two Sunday night as the Yankees close out the weekend series against the Dodgers.

For more Yankees coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.

Kevin Hickey

Kevin Hickey Photo

Hickey was previously the managing editor of USA Today's Colts Wire. His work is also featured as a fantasy football analyst for The Huddle. A career .232 hitter, he is an avid reader of Spider-Man comics, an admirer of the James Webb Space Telescope, and a keen enthusiast of Ma’s sauce. You can find him on Twitter/X @KevinHickey11