Overview
- Left-hander Ryan Yarbrough returns on a one-year contract after serving as a long man and spot starter last season, posting a 3-1 record and 4.36 ERA in 19 appearances.
- With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt expected to open on the injured list, Yarbrough gives New York an immediate rotation and bullpen option.
- If no additional starter is added this offseason, reporting indicates Yarbrough would likely open the year as the fifth starter.
- General manager Brian Cashman has identified both the rotation and bullpen as priorities and says the club will continue to pursue further pitching help.
- The move follows the team’s earlier decision to exercise Tim Hill’s $3 million option, and it comes on a day featuring Trent Grisham’s qualifying-offer deadline and 40-man roster protections for the Rule 5 Draft.