Yankees’ latest roster moves thin down the bullpen

Scott Effross, the relief pitcher, of the New York Yankees
Laurie Jaeger/Instagram

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The New York Yankees have made notable adjustments to their roster, designating right-hander Cody Morris for assignment while reinstating right-handed pitcher Scott Effross from the 60-day injured list. Effross was then optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Morris, acquired from the Cleveland Guardians in December in a trade for Estevan Florial, has not yet made his Yankees debut despite several call-ups this season. His Triple-A performance has been inconsistent, with a 4.25 ERA over 36 innings, marked by a troubling 16% walk rate alongside a solid 25.8% strikeout rate.

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NY POST

Control issues have been a persistent challenge for Morris in his brief major league tenure. During his 31 2/3 innings with Cleveland from 2022-23, he posted a 3.41 ERA but struggled with a 13% walk rate. His 2023 season was particularly difficult, recording a 6.75 ERA in eight innings and missing time due to a teres major strain.

Recently serving as a multi-inning reliever, Morris could attract interest from other teams if he clears waivers. This is his first designation for assignment, so he would need to report to the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate if he clears waivers and the team opts to outright him rather than release him.

These roster moves highlight the Yankees’ continuous efforts to optimize their pitching staff and manage their 40-man roster amid injuries and performance fluctuations halfway through the season.

Yankees send Effros to Triple-A

The New York Yankees have bolstered their bullpen by reinstating right-handed pitcher Scott Effross from the 60-day injured list and optioning him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Effross, acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the 2022 trade deadline, has been out of action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2022, causing him to miss the entire 2023 season.

scott-effross-new-york-yankees
Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The 30-year-old Effross impressed during his brief tenure with the Yankees in 2022, posting a 2.13 ERA over 12 2/3 innings. His return was further delayed by back surgery in February 2024. However, his recent rehab assignment has shown promise, as he recorded a 3.86 ERA with solid secondary metrics over 9 1/3 innings in eight appearances.

Effross began his rehab on June 19 with Low-A Tampa and then moved to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Across nine games at both levels, he allowed five runs (four earned) on 11 hits, including one home run, while striking out 11 and walking two in 10 1/3 innings.

Effross’s potential return to the major league bullpen later this season could be a significant boost for the Yankees, who are expected to seek additional relief pitching help before the trade deadline.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

One thought on “Yankees’ latest roster moves thin down the bullpen

  1. With Morris they got a lottery ticket for someone in Florial, someone that Cashman didn’t want around. It didn’t work out, and he’s no big loss. Marianaccio seems to not be an option at least according to the FO. But the FO needs to clear out the guys on the 40 man roster who are only taking up a roster spot but not part of the solution. There is still too much bullpen ‘garbage’ at Triple-A that needs to be cleaned out.

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