The Yankees’ bullpen is in rough shape as they head into the second half of the season, and they need more arms before the trade deadline. They’re hoping to find some hidden value and free up prospects for bigger needs in the rotation and at third base.
Recently, they claimed 31-year-old right-hander Rico Garcia off waivers from the Mets. Garcia, from Honolulu, pitched twice for the Mets this year, throwing 4 2/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts and an impressive 0.214 WHIP. He was designated for assignment last Friday so the Mets could reactivate Kodai Senga.
While fans were focused on the Home Run Derby, the Yankees made their move quietly, taking a chance that Garcia’s brief success might stick.
Garcia does come with risk his career ERA is 6.47 over 32 games and he’s posted a 5.34 ERA in Triple-A this year. Still, the Yankees have struggled to find a reliable long reliever lately, and recent options haven’t been effective at protecting leads. Garcia could help plug that gap while other relievers get healthy.
This waiver claim might lead nowhere or it could turn out to be a small but smart pickup while the Mets weren’t paying attention.
About the Author
