The New York Yankees have reportedly worked out former closer Ernesto Frieri which could lead to a minor league deal.
According to Jack Curry of the YES Network the New York Yankees‘ worked out former closer, Ernesto Frieri.
Curry mentioned that Frieri, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since May 24, 2015, as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, was in the clubhouse in Tampa and the next news to expect is the signing of a minor league deal — although nothing is confirmed as of yet.
Frieri, 31, spent seven seasons from 2009-15 with the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates and Rays. The righty owns 73 career saves and in 2013, he recorded 37 which was good enough for seventh-most in the American League.
Over his entire career, Frieri owns a 3.55 ERA over 296.3 innings of work while striking out 382 (11.6 K/9 rate). Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman will obviously round out the back-end of the Yankees’ bullpen, but a low-risk minor league deal to someone who could help bridge the gap is only a positive.
Frieri worked out for Yankees today. Girardi noted that he has been a closer in his career. Had 37 saves for Angels in 2013.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) March 16, 2017
In 13 games against the Yankees, he owns 16 strikeouts in 12.1 innings of work. He also pitched two scoreless innings for Team Colombia in the World Baseball Classic.
Frieri himself stated that he hopes to officially sign with New York on Thursday.
