Yankees release Banda two weeks after Major League contract

Friday September 9, 2022

The Yankees have released pitcher Anthony Banda. The lefty had joined them two weeks back and was named in the starting lineup for only two MLB games.

The Major League demands the highest level of performance and players have to achieve results to stay on the roster. Failing to match the level of expectations results in a player getting off the 40-man roster. The New York Yankees have “designated Anthony Banda on assignment on Monday.

The team signed Banda for the Major League on August 28. The left-handed pitcher will now play Triple-A at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, according to the team’s announcement.

The Yankees had announced over the weekend that they would be sending Banda to the minor leagues, so this move was not unexpected.

Banda had a difficult day on the mound on Friday, as he allowed two hits, walked three batters, and failed to record an out while three runs scored.

The Texas-born pitcher entered his professional career with AZL Brewers in 2012. The Arizona Diamondbacks handed him his Major League cap in 2017. He joined the Rays in 2018 but was put on assignment in 2020.

Banda appeared in 10 games for the San Francisco Giants. Before joining the Yankees, the lefty was with the Mets, the Pirates, the Blue Jays, and the Mariners.

In August 2022, he walked out of his Miami contract to join New York. However, he remained on the 40-man MLB roster for seven days before he was sent away to Triple-A.

Banda got a place in the starting lineup of the Yankees only two times. He had pitched to 10 batters returning two hits and five walks. One of them was hit by his throw.

During his last 26 2/3 innings, he had a 6.75 ERA, with slightly lower than average strikeout and walk rates – 22.2% and 9.6%, respectively.

The 29-year-old pitcher left the Arizona Diamondbacks to move to Tampa in 2018 in a three-way deal that also saw the Yankees participating. It also sent infielder Brandon Drury to the Bronx.

He joined San Francisco after his team designated him for assignment in 2020. The Giants then traded him to the New York Mets last season. Banda pitched five times for the Mets and had a 7.36 ERA.

However, Banda’s Triple-A record ranks among the best. It is sure to benefit the RailRiders, who have now Anthony Volpe in their ranks. The prospect recently showcased his ability with a two-homer game against Durham.

Do you think the Yankees were right in sending off Anthony Banda? Was his signing a mistake?