The New York Yankees sign a former division rival to strengthen their bullpen. The club needed a left-hander, so Tim Mayza is promoted.
New York signed Mayza from Triple-A ahead of Friday night’s game against the Detroit Tigers, Yankees PR reports.
“Prior to today’s game, the Yankees signed left-hander Tim Mayza (#58) to a major league contract and added him to the active roster,” the club reported.
New York’s decision is surprising, according to Max Goodman of NJ Advance Media.
“I thought Scott Effross could have been the fresh arm for the bullpen…” Goodman admitted. “The #Yankees have decided to call up left-hander Tim Mayza, who they acquired from the (Toronto) Blue Jays earlier this year. Mayza had a 2.16 ERA in nine AAA SWB appearances since joining the Yankees.”
Mayza is the only left-handed pitcher in the Yankees’ bullpen, along with Tim Hill. Mayza, 32, had an 8.03 ERA in 35 games with the Blue Jays this year before being DFA’d, but he turned things around in Triple-A after the Yankees signed him.
New York hopes Mayza can return to his form from last season, when he posted a 1.52 ERA in 69 appearances.
Was that the right step?
The Yankees should keep Tim Mayza on a short leash
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New York still has a month and a half to improve its bullpen before the playoffs. Mayza could be on the mend, but there’s no reason to keep giving him chances if he’s faltering. The club has Effross, Nick Burdi and Ron Marinaccio in Triple-A, and all three have plenty of major league experience.
The Yankees themselves have witnessed Mayza’s struggles firsthand in the past. The veteran’s last major league appearance was on June 28 against New York, and he allowed five runs without getting an out. That was the appearance that ended his tenure in Toronto. In addition, Mayza allowed Aaron Judge’s 61st home run in 2022.
However, Mayza could be a key presence if he gets going. Yankee manager Aaron Boone could use a shutdown lefty reliever to use in crucial postseason situations against lefties.
