Chad Gaudin waived by New York Yankees

One player appears to have been eliminted from the 5th starter battle for the New York Yankees. The team placed Chad Gaudin on waivers today.

Gaudin was acquired by the Yankees via trade last season and made 11 appearances for them. He went 2-0 with a 3.43 ERA in those 11 games, including six starts. That performance was enough for the Yankees to sign him to a one year, $2.95 million deal this offseason and give him a chance to win the 5th spot in the starting rotation.

The right hander struggled this spring however. Gaudin pitched 9 1/3 innings and gave up 9 earned runs and 16 hits.

If Gaudin clears waivers, the Yankees can send him to the minors or release him by paying only a portion of the contract.

The battle for the 5th starter role is now down to four pitchers. Phil Hughes seems to be the favorite at this point, with Joba Chamberlain, Sergio Mitre, and Alfredo Aceves the other options.