The New York Yankees have signed right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino to a major-league contract.
To make room for Ottavino on the roster, the Yankees moved JT Brubaker to the 60-day injured list and closer Devin Williams to the paternity list. If everyone in the bullpen stays healthy before Williams returns, Ottavino will likely get designated for assignment.
Ottavino played for the Yankees from 2019-2020 and had a 2.76 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 97 appearances. He was the first player in franchise history to wear No. 0, but he won’t be able to get his old number back because Marcus Stroman now has it. The Yankees have not announced Ottavino’s number yet, but he could become the first player in franchise history to wear No. 00.
The 39-year-old had a 4.34 ERA with the New York Mets last season and had one of the highest strikeout rates among all MLB relievers. Ottavino was released by the Boston Red Sox late last month after signing a minor-league deal with them in the offseason. He chose to opt out when he didn’t make the major-league roster. Don’t expect Ottavino to become one of the Yankees’ top options out of the bullpen over the next few days; he is likely only with the organization as an emergency option.
With Williams away from the team, Luke Weaver will likely become the de facto closer.
(Top photo of Adam Ottavino: Dustin Satloff / Getty Images)
