The Yankees, worried about depleting their bullpen before the 4-game series against Boston starts, have called up right-handed reliever Anthony Claggett according to the New York Post. Since the Yankees aren't going to send down a pitcher (sort of defeats the purpose), Cody Ransom is likely to be DFA'ed. Then, after this game is over, the Yankees are likely to send Claggett back down and recalled Ramiro Pena who has been getting time in the minors playing the outfield as well as the infield and provides a little bit more speed, bat, and versatility than Ransom.
It is sort of ironic this was done on the same day that Steven Goldman advocated bringing up another hitter to take the place of a pitcher on the roster, pointing out how Mark Melancon is never used (though this also occurred on the same day that Joel Sherman says that he feels Melancon may be a key performer in that bullpen). With Alfredo Aceves, Phil Coke, David Robertson and Melancon rested from the day off and the solid pitching performance yesterday by Pettitte, the timing does seem a bit strange. But the Yankees don't want to take any chances with the new-look lineup of the Boston Red Sox coming into the homer-haven in the Bronx for an epic four game set.
Losing Ransom is no big deal. Pena was better than him and was just in the minors to get a bit more seasoning and Jerry Hairston, Jr. is a much better and more versatile player than Ransom anyways who forgot how to hit this season. Plus, if the Yankees need to pick up a utility guy at some point, waiver time should be filled with them (a guy like Jamey Carroll for instance). For one game, this move makes sense, but let's hope it is a one-game fix.
Side Note: Jose Veras was DFA'ed yesterday to make room on the Indians roster for a person with the first name "Jess". Seems apropos.
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