The Yankees have to activate a number of players from the 60-day injured list this weekend, and to do so, they had to make room on the 40-man roster beforehand. The team got a head start with Brett Gardner and Darren O’Day yesterday, and this afternoon, a few more moves were made official:
Earlier today, OF Tim Locastro was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox and INF Andrew Velazquez was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) November 5, 2021
Additionally, the Yankees outrighted C Rob Brantly off the Major League roster and onto the roster of Triple-A Scranton/WB.
Earlier today, OF Greg Allen was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) November 5, 2021
Once the Yankees activate Zack Britton, Luke Voit, Miguel Andújar, Clint Frazier, and Aaron Hicks from the 60-day IL, the 40-man roster will stand at 39 players. That number could decrease to 38 if the club declines Joely Rodríguez’s contract option. That will be resolved by Sunday.
The Bronx born-and-raised Velazquez filled in at shortstop while Gleyber Torres missed time in August due to a thumb sprain. He didn’t perform all that well (57 wRC+), but did make some flashy defensive plays and delivered a pretty memorable regular season moment:
Locastro, 29, played in just nine games for the Yankees this year before a torn ACL ended his season. The Yanks picked him up in an early June trade with the Diamondbacks. He’s expected to be fully healthy for the 2022 season.
Allen made a relatively significant contribution in a brief stay with the Yanks this summer. Previously, he signed a minor league deal with the Yankees and spent most of his season in Triple-A, but in 15 games for the Bombers he posted a 140 wRC+.
Like Allen, the 32 year-old Brantly also signed a minor league deal with the Yankees and spent the majority of his season with the RailRiders. He served as the team’s third catcher and appeared in six major league games.
Tim
Kevin , I am totally with you on this one. Remember all the crying about Tauchman!
MikeD
Not a single one of these players is worthy of a 40-man roster spot. All replaceable, and they will be replaced before the start of next season. Hopefully that will occur before June!
Cathy Forman
Lo Castro’s only asset is speed and he’s currently broken. Allen is classic AAAA. Velazquez cannot, in any way, shape, or form, hit. Relax. Hopefully this is a sign that they’re serious about getting a shortstop and outfield help. They know more about Hicks’ health than we do.
byomtov
Good luck to Allen and Velasquez.
Anthony Rizzeddardo
All Allen, Locastro and Velazquez did is hit and win, Derek, so obviously there was no place for them in this dumpster fire of an organization. The Sox just found their next Whitlock.
Kevin
Seriously?
wyldebill
Allen and Velasquez provided a huge spark to a lifeless squad. The Yanks bleeped the pooch by not keeping them active down the stretch and now letting them go. Bucs and Halos will reap the dividends.
Jim Clair
I agree with Anthony’s and wyldebill’s comments on these (otherwise) up & coming players. What is Cashman thinking? Is he thinking?
ptmontana
Check back in a year and we’ll see!
Kevin
Don’t get all wet over a few guys who flashed for a week or two. I’m not not trying to be degrading, but it’s clear that you haven’t been a fan for long.
byomtov
Right. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmE7gVkK14I
Steve
This has to be Eddard’d burner account.