The New York Yankees are continuing to add to their bullpen in hopes of building insurance for their injured starting rotation. In Atlanta, the Braves improved their starting rotation with the addition of Wandy Rodriguez.
New York acquired right-hander Chris Martin for cash in a trade with the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, according to Jack Curry of the YES Network. The 28-year-old reached the majors for the first time last season and wasn't too impressive after logging a 6.89 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 16 games (15 2/3 innings). Perhaps Martin's size and minor league numbers intrigued the Yankees, who have a lot questions surrounding their starting rotation because of prior injuries to C.C. Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda.
The 6' 8" Martin spent five seasons in the minors and amassed a 19-14 record with a 3.09 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 14 saves and 266 strikeouts in 126 games (285 2/3 innings). Martin was designated for assignment earlier this offseason, so it's unclear how he'll be used in New York. Curry notes the right-hander's fastball reaches 95 mph and he also has a slider and cutter in his arsenal.
On the other hand, the Atlanta Braves are continuing to improve their rotation. According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the team has signed left-hander Wandy Rodriguez to a minor-league contract on Tuesday. The deal includes an invite to spring training and the veteran will compete for the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
This signing comes two weeks after Rodriguez failed a physical when he was set to join the Philadelphia Phillies on a minor-league contract. The 36-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but was limited to six starts in 2014 as he dealt with knee and forearm injuries and just 12 starts in 2013. In 10 MLB seasons, Rodriguez owns a 91-94 record with a 4.06 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 258 games (248 starts) with the Pirates and Houston Astros.
The contract will be worth $2 million if he makes the Braves' roster.
