Yankees Pick Up Reliever Santos

USA Today Sports

The New York Yankees have signed relief pitcher Sergio Santos to a minor league deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

httpss://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/608309933814235137

Santos, a righty, will report to Double-A Trenton after pitching in 12 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. He had a 4.73 ERA, seven walks and 15 strikeouts before LA designated him for assignment.

Should Santos make the Yankees roster at any point, it will be his fourth major league team in his six-year career. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2002, Santos kicked off his big league career with the Chicago White Sox, pitching well out of the bullpen from 2010-2011. He pitched to a 2.96 ERA in 56 appearances his rookie season and then took over as Chicago’s closer in 2011, notching 30 saves in 36 opportunities.

Santos was then traded to the Toronto Blue Jays where he dealt shoulder injuries, among other health issues. He spent three seasons there before ending up in Los Angeles.

The move comes following the recent struggles of right-handers Esmil Rogers and David Carpenter’s designation for assignment. With Andrew Miller, Jacob Lindgren, Chris Capuano, Chasen Shreve and Justin Wilson on hand, the Yankees have a predominantly lefty bullpen. Despite the unit’s overall solid performance this year, the Yankees have gotten little aide from any righties, which could create an opportunity for 31-year-old Santos should he pitch well in the minors.

Rogers currently has a 6.39 ERA while New York is actively seeking out a trade partner for Carpenter.