The New York Yankees have added veteran left-handed reliever Tim Mayza to their active roster, aiming to strengthen their bullpen as they push for the playoffs.
Tim Mayza, 32, signed a minor league deal with the Yankees on July 10 after being designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Toronto Blue Jays. On Friday, the Yankees announced his promotion to the major league roster.
Yankees add Tim Mayza amid AL east battle
Tim Mayza’s season with the Blue Jays was turbulent. Over 24.2 innings, he posted an 8.03 ERA, a significant drop from his impressive 1.52 ERA during the 2023 season. The seven-year MLB veteran’s struggles with consistency led to his release by Toronto. However, he has shown signs of improvement since joining the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate. In nine appearances, Mayza has recorded a 2.16 ERA, striking out eight and walking three over 8.1 innings.
Tim Mayza has been a mainstay in the Blue Jays bullpen since his MLB debut in 2017, known for his ability to handle left-handed hitters. His addition to the Yankees comes at a crucial time as the team navigates a competitive AL East race. Entering play on Friday, the Yankees are tied for the division lead with a 72-50 record, matching the Baltimore Orioles.
The Yankees’ bullpen has been a strength for much of the season, currently ranking 10th in MLB with a 3.76 ERA. However, recent struggles have seen that number climb to 4.80 over the last month. The bullpen’s inconsistency, coupled with injuries to key relievers, has prompted the Yankees to seek additional depth. Mayza’s experience and ability to get lefties out could be a valuable asset down the stretch.
New York is set to begin a three-game series on the road against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, with a critical stretch of games ahead as they aim to secure a postseason berth. The Yankees have been active in addressing their roster needs, including recent moves to bolster their pitching staff.
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