New York Yankees have interest in Brett Anderson

Still looking to make upgrades to their pitching staff, the New York Yankees have reportedly shown interest in Colorado Rockies left-hander Brett Anderson. MLB Trade Rumors relayed the story that was first reported by Buster Olney of ESPN, though the original Tweet appears to have been deleted.

The rumor confirms expectations that the Yankees had shifted their focus to a lower tier of starting pitching options, as the organization doesn’t really have the prospect depth to afford acquiring one of the big named pitchers on the market.

Anderson has dealt with injuries in his first season with the Rockies, just as he had for the past few years with the Oakland Athletics. He’s thrown just 33.1 IP on the year in six starts, posting a 3.24 ERA and 1.350 WHIP in that span. He’d landed on the disabled list after making three starts in April and was subsequently on the shelf until earlier this month.

Steve Adams at MLBTR notes, however, that the Rockies do not appear interested in moving Anderson. He’s been effective at inducing ground balls, which benefits a pitcher working in the high altitude of Coors Field, and the Rockies could look to extend him this offseason instead of simply picking up the $12 Million team option that his contract includes. Colorado parted with a pair of young arms (Drew Pomeranz and Chris Jensen) to acquire Anderson this past offseason and despite his injury history they have interest in keeping him beyond the trade deadline.

New York is bound to continue looking at starting pitching options in the next day as the team’s rotation has been hit hard with injuries. Brandon McCarthy has looked good since being acquired by the team and there have been reports that Michael Pineda could throw a simulated game this weekend as he works his way back from an injury, but that may not be enough as the team hopes to fight for a playoff spot.