Roster Moves: Esmil Rogers outrighted by New York Yankees

The Yankees outrighted right-hander Esmil Rogers off their 40-man roster on Friday, leaving him to decide between being sent to AAA Scranton or electing free agency. Rogers has already cleared waivers.

The 29-year-old struggled in 17 relief appearances for New York this year, pitching to a 6.39 ERA in 31 innings. Rogers’ Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) suggested he pitched significantly better, coming in at 4.88, but he was nonetheless ineffective.

The Yankees acquired Rogers in a July waiver claim last year, and he pitched to a mediocre 4.68 ERA in 18 appearances (one start). He regressed further this year, and will now either try and work things out in the minors or latch on with another team.

ESPN’s Marly Rivera reports that newly-signed Sergio Santos could be replacing Rogers in the Yankees bullpen, as he is already in the Baltimore area (the Yankees are currently on the road playing the Orioles) and could be added to the roster immediately. He last pitched for AA Trenton on Thursday, throwing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, and could be inserted into a middle relief role on the big-league club going forward. Otherwise, look for New York to call up one of Danny Burawa, Jose Ramirez, Diego Moreno or Branden Pinder on Saturday.