Manny Banuelos certainly deserved a chance. He had performed well during his brief stint in the New York Yankees bullpen this year, finally appearing for the team that he was a top prospect with so long ago. However, he was the victim of a roster crunch, and as he was out of options, designated for assignment.
Banuelos now has another chance to make an impact in the majors. The Yankees have traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates for the ever popular Cash Considerations.
Former New York Yankees prospect gets chance with Pittsburgh Pirates
He may never live up to his former status as one of the top prospects in baseball, but Banuelos could still be a useful piece in the majors. He showed that potential during his brief stint with the Yankees, allowing just two runs on seven hits and three walks in 8.1 innings, striking out eight batters.
Banuelos also fills a need for the Pirates. Cam Vieaux is the only lefty in their bullpen, and he absorbed a 56 pitch outing on Friday. Banuelos gives the Pirates that second lefty, and with his impressive 62.5% ground ball rate this season, could end up as their primary lefty reliever.
It is another stop in the nomadic journey Banuelos has had in his career. After he was traded to the Braves prior to the 2015 season, he spent time in the Angels, Dodgers, White Sox, and Mariners organizations. After being let go by the Mariners, he spent time in the CPBL and Mexico before signing a minor league deal with the Yankees.
Although he is now 31 years old, Banuelos is only in his second year of service time. If he can continue that strong performance he had in New York, he could be a long term piece for the Pirates. They could use all the pitching they can get as they look to emerge from their rebuilding process.
The New York Yankees have sent Manny Banuelos to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He may finally get the chance to stick in the majors.