New York Yankees Sign Pitcher Randy Flores for Bullpen Help
May 18, 2011 · Doug Rush · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have been in desperate need for bullpen help. On Wednesday, they signed left-handed veteran Randy Flores to a minor-league deal, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports.
The 35-year old was playing with the San Diego Padres in their minor league system, but opted out of his contract this week.
A couple of teams were interested in Flores’ services, but because the Yankees have the biggest hole to fill, this was the best case scenario for Flores, who could get an opportunity to pitch out of the bullpen.
The deal with the Yankees also includes an opt-out clause for Flores, similar to the one the Yankees had with pitcher Kevin Millwood.
The need for Flores comes about because Damaso Marte is most likely out for the season with a major shoulder injury and recently signed Pedro Feliciano was put on the disabled list before even pitching for the Yankees this season.
It was reported that Feliciano was likely to miss the 2011 season with a shoulder injury, but after meeting with surgeon Dr. James Andrews, the conclusion was that he could rehab the injury.
Regardless of Feliciano’s decision, the Yankees were in desperate need of another left-hander out of the bullpen.
Right now, the only lefty in the bullpen is Boone Logan, who is currently 1-2 with a 3.97 ERA.
Logan has pitched much better of late, not allowing a run in his last four appearances.
Flores will likely start the season at Scranton-Wilks Barre, the AAA team of the Yankees, but will more than likely be called up by New York.
Flores pitched in 2010 for the Colorado Rockies and Minnesota Twins, posting a 2-0 record with a 3.19 ERA in 58 appearances.
The need for bullpen help also comes into play because Yankees setup man Rafael Soriano was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday with elbow inflammation.
Soriano was 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 16 appearances. He had been pitching much better before the injury, getting his ERA down from a 7.84 last month while not allowing a run since April 26 against the Chicago White Sox.
If Flores is called up soon, how will he be able to handle the American League hitters?
Flores has limited experience pitching in the American League (playing in 2002 when he was a rookie with the Rangers and then last season with the Twins).
Flores has spent most of his career in the National League, pitching with the Rockies in two stints and the Cardinals in one.
So now the big question becomes, will Flores be able to help the Yankees?
Only time will tell if it works out for the Yankees. Stay tuned.
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