The New York Yankees agreed to an incentive-laden minor-league deal with former Athletics and Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey on Saturday, reports Buster Olney of ESPN.
Andrew Bailey, Yankees agree to minor-league deal
Bailey won’t be able to pitch for a few months yet, but could be a boon in the second half for New York.
USA TODAY Sports
More from SB Nation: Jamie Garcia leaves Cardinals camp with sore shoulder
Bailey was non-tendered by Boston this offseason after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. He was only able to pitch in 49 games over two years with the Red Sox after missing significant time with both the torn labrum and reconstructive surgery on his thumb.
More from our team sites
More from our team sites
The Yankees won’t have Bailey available in Spring Training or the beginning of the season as he is expected to be out until mid-year after his surgery. If he comes back strong and reaches the majors, he will earn a prorated salary of $1.975 million. The deal also includes an option for a second year that contains a buyout.
Bailey has had his ups and downs recently with a 7.04 ERA in 2012, then a 3.77 ERA in 2013. He struck out over 12 batters per nine innings in 30 games last year, however, and showed flashes of brilliance when healthy. The 29-year-old had a 2.07 ERA over three years with the Athletics before the club shipped him off to Boston.
Following the departure of Mariano Rivera, the Yankees' bullpen appears to be unsettled. David Robertson is expected to take over as closer, but the team has made few moves to solidify the relief corps behind him. Boone Logan and Joba Chamberlain have left the team in free agency while Matt Thornton was New York's only pickup. Of the remaining players on the roster, only Robertson and Adam Warren pitched at least 10 games in relief last year with an ERA under 4.00.
See More:
