Yankees Trade For Brewers Left-Hander
The New York Yankees have landed another project reliever.
On Wednesday, the team announced they had completed a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, acquiring left-handed reliever Clayton Andrews for right-hander Joshua Quezada. Andrews was then placed on the 40-man roster, with Scott Effross being moved to the 60-day IL as the corresponding move.
The 27-year-old Andrews made his MLB debut with Milwaukee last season, but struggled immensely. In four appearances, two each against the Pirates and Cubs, he recorded a 27.00 ERA, allowing 11 runs (10 earned) and three homers in just 3.1 innings of work.
However, his season in Triple-A was strong, logging a 2.53 ERA in 57 innings for the Nashville Sounds. He struck out 74 batters while walking 31, and accrued an impressive 31.1 strikeout percentage.
Andrews is only 5'6'', making him one of the shortest pitchers in baseball. This, in turn, gives him a unique release point that can deceive opposing batters; he already throws rather hard, averaging almost 95 MPH on his fastball, and the velocity can play up when combined with his small frame. However, his height can also make the fastball difficult to elevate, which can be particularly punishing if he misses his location. He also throws a slider and changeup, which are considered his primary strikeout pitches.
Although Andrews showed that he wasn't quite ready for the majors in his brief call-ups last year, he still has two minor league options for the Yankees to use, aiding his development and value. Nonetheless, with Effross injured until at least the summer, Andrews will surely get another shot in the majors; if he impresses in Spring Training, he could make the MLB roster right away.
The potential is there for Andrews, and with the help of pitching coach Matt Blake, he can hopefully develop into yet another quality piece of the Bronx Bombers' bullpen.
