Yankees Showing Interest in Veteran Pitcher Amid Mounting Injuries

The Arizona Diamondbacks recently placed Littell on waivers before granting him his release after he went unclaimed.

The right-hander made just three appearances with Arizona and struggled mightily in a long-relief role. Across 12 innings, Littell allowed 21 hits, four walks and 10 earned runs, including five home runs.

Before heading out west, the 30-year-old spent the first half of the season with the Washington Nationals, making 14 starts across 23 appearances. In 112.1 innings, Littell posted a 4.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a .264 opponents’ batting average. His struggles eventually led Washington to designate him for assignment.

While he certainly wouldn’t replace Cruz or any of the other pitchers currently on the injured list, Littell could provide some much-needed innings. And right now, the Yankees could certainly use the extra pitching depth.

New York recently lost starter Ryan Weathers to a left forearm flexor strain that will sideline him for at least a couple of weeks. Weathers isn’t guaranteed to return during the regular season, although the team remains optimistic.

That news came just days after the Yankees placed one of their best starters, Max Fried, on the IL. Fortunately for New York, Fried’s absence isn’t expected to last much longer.

The Yankees are also still waiting on Clarke Schmidt, who has yet to throw a pitch this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last July. Schmidt is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the coming days.

Despite all the injuries they’ve endured, the Yankees still hold the second-best record in the American League. While they sit comfortably atop the AL Wild Card standings, the Boston Red Sox are breathing down their necks at just 2.5 games back.

The Yankees will have a chance to create some separation when they begin a pivotal four-game series against Boston in the Bronx on Friday night.