Deivi Garcia returned to the Yankees on Wednesday, marking his first appearance with the team in almost two years. But, similar to his previous call-ups, Deivi Garcia’s latest promotion with the Yankees was brief and only lasted one day.
A quick day for Deivi Garcia
On Wednesday, Deivi Garcia, a former top prospect, was promoted to the major leagues for his sixth time, but this was his first stint as a reliever.
After saving a game in an 11-3 victory over the Athletics, he was demoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He pitched for only three innings.
“It was a big pick-me-up,” manager Aaron Boone told. “To be able to have him finish that game and give us three innings was big. It wasn’t perfect, but he made some pitches, especially when he got in some three-ball counts so the walk didn’t hurt him.”
During the game, Deivi Garcia allowed two hits, one of which was a solo home run, and one walk, but he also struck out two batters and threw a total of 55 pitches. A significant benefit of Deivi Garcia’s performance was that it enabled Boone to rest other relief pitchers, which is crucial as they prepare for an essential four-game series against the Rays.
On Thursday, the Yankees plan to bring up a new pitcher, possibly Randy Vasquez, who can provide them with extra innings or a reliever who is not currently part of the 40-man roster. Unless there is an injured pitcher to replace, Nick Ramirez and Greg Weissert cannot be called up again so soon after being optioned.
Deivi Garcia took over Weissert’s spot in the Yankees bullpen on Wednesday. Before that, he had pitched in 10 games and recorded a 4.50 ERA with 16 walks in 20 innings for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season.
Deivi Garcia eyes a comeback
In the 2022 season, Deivi Garcia struggled with a 6.89 ERA and played the entire season in the minor leagues. However, he has now successfully transitioned into a full-time reliever who can provide length to the bullpen. This was crucial for the Yankees during Wednesday’s game.
“[Relieving is] probably the best avenue for him to be successful,” Boone said as the Yankees were to open the final game against the Athletics. “I think there’s a chance he could thrive in this role and that’s what we’re hoping to see in making this transition.”
Deivi Garcia, who hasn’t played for the Yankees since May 29, 2021, can only be sent down to the minors a limited number of times this season as he is nearing the end of his eligibility for minor league options. He had good spring training.
Severino rehab is underway
On Wednesday morning, Luis Severino, who has been recovering from a strained lat, made his first rehab start with SWB. During the game, he pitched for 3 ¹/₃ innings, and he was able to increase his pitch count to 49.
During his rehab starts on Wednesday, Luis Severino’s fastball averaged 95.9 mph and reached a maximum of 98 mph. He struck out three batters, walked one, and gave up a solo home run.
“I watched a good bit of it,” Boone said. “I actually thought he looked really, really good.”
Severino’s next step in his rehabilitation process is to make another start on Tuesday, and the Yankees will then assess his status.
Aaron Hicks, who was removed from Tuesday’s game due to a tight hip, reported feeling improved on Wednesday and was available as an emergency option from the bench. It seems likely that he won’t need to go on the injured list, allowing him to continue improving his performance in the upcoming games.
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