Yankees Claim Reliever Off Waivers From Division Rival

The New York Yankees have swooped in on a division rival to snag an arm for some organizational bullpen depth, claiming reliever Luke Bard off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Luke Bard had a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings over 8 appearances for the Rays this season, but TB DFA’d him due to roster crunch with other reliever moves.

— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) August 5, 2022

After acquiring lefty Garrett Cleavinger last week from the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Rays made room on their 40-man by DFA'ing Bard. 

The 31-year-old RHP had spent three years with the Los Angeles Angels before having season-ending hip surgery in 2021, missing the entire year. 

In his 8 appearances for the Rays this season, he pitched to a 1.93 ERA, surrendering only 7 hits in 14 innings, but was a bit wild, with an 8:7 K:BB ratio. 

He'll now head to the Yankees, who, according to Lindsey Adler of The Athletic, have the option of sending him down to Triple-A.

Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports