Yankees promote veteran reclamation project to bolster bullpen

Kevin Hickey

Yankees promote veteran reclamation project to bolster bullpen image

The New York Yankees signed veteran left-handed relief pitcher Tim Mayza to a Major League contract and selected him to the active roster on Friday.

Mayza was signed by the Yankees in July after the Toronto Blue Jays designated him for assignment. After signing Mayza to a minor league deal, the Yankees assigned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.

After what was a spectacular 2023 season that included a 1.52 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 53.1 innings, the 32-year-old struggled mightily in 2024.

Mayza recorded an 8.03 ERA with 16 strikeouts and a 1.95 WHIP in 24.2 innings pitched this season. He had a .326 expected batting average and a 13.2% strikeout rate, both of which were career worst marks.

However, he may have regained his form after working in the Yankees minor league system. In 8.1 innings pitched, Mayza posted a 2.16 ERA with eight strikeouts, three walks and a .219 batting average against.

The Yankees enter a crucial series against the Detroit Tigers this week tied for the American League East lead with the Baltimore Orioles at 72-50.

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Kevin Hickey

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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