The Yankees are close to signing lefty reliever Clay Rapada to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training reports MLB.com's Zack Meisel. The Meister Sports Management client was released by the Orioles a few days ago.
Rapada, 30, posted a 6.06 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 in 16 1/3 innings for the Orioles last year. He had pitched 52 2/3 MLB innings over the course of five seasons for the Tigers, Rangers, Cubs and Orioles and is not yet arbitration eligible. The Yankees are likely trying to replenish some left-handed relief depth after Hideki Okajima failed his physical.
This post was originally published on Feb. 18th.
Yankees have been pretty busy this late in the off season after the Pineda trade.
Not to be confused with ‘the mustachioed one’, Clay ZAVADA!
Just a case of stockpiling some lefty arms. He’ll provide some good competition in camp
Clay Rapada? Not Mike Gonzalez or Ryan Tallet?
Can’t get those guys on a minor league deal, plus they need to save the money on the big league roster to sign a bat.
Dont be naive. They dont NEED to save money. They are trying to cut down I realize that. But lets not act like a few million for a reliever is a big deal to them.
My bad meant Brian Tallet….and apparently he signed with the Pirates.
A minor league contract to Clay Rapada? Why not?